With the rapid transformation of Saudi cities spurred by the ambitious 2030 vision for the country, there is a notable shift towards new paradigms of urban development, with airports emerging as central drivers of economic and physical growth. Simultaneously, a significant knowledge gap persists in delineating and comprehending the various spatial, economic, and social factors influencing airport-driven urban development. In December 2023, a study was conducted on airport-driven urban development and its connections with urban development stimulus drivers in major Saudi cities. This paper, excerpted from the study, aimed to address the key spatial factors influencing airport-driven urban development in these cities and explore how airport spatial configurations impact economic activities and land use patterns in adjacent areas. The study examines the potential of airport-city spatial dynamics as catalysts for local economic development at both local and national levels. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses of data collected from historical literature, structured surveys, semi-structured interviews with experts in aviation and urban planning, and stakeholder focus groups, contextual drivers for the Airport-Oriented Development approach in Saudi cities were synthesized and prioritized. The study identified six spatial drivers intricately linked to the Saudi context, crucial for decision-makers to realign urban development strategies and policy formulation processes.