Jazeera Airways Fully Resumes Operations at Kuwait International Airport After 57-Day Disruption

Key facts

• Jazeera Airways resumes full operations from Terminal 5 on May 3, 2026, after a 57-day airport closure.
• The airline will serve 27 destinations, with daily flights from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• During the disruption, Jazeera operated over 1,500 flights and transported close to 200,000 passengers via a temporary base in Saudi Arabia.
• Kuwait Airways resumes flights to 13 additional destinations from Terminal 4, bringing its total to 29.
• Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah inspected military preparations for command and staff courses for 2027–2028.
• Acting National Guard Undersecretary Lt Gen Hamad Al-Barjas emphasized readiness and discipline during an inspection.
• Minister of Commerce and Industry Osama Boodai inspected factories to support the national industrial sector.
• A decision allowing workers in restricted sectors to transfer jobs took effect on Friday through June 30.

Return to Terminal 5

Jazeera Airways announced the full resumption of operations from its dedicated Terminal 5 at Kuwait International Airport, effective Sunday, May 3, 2026. Daily flights will operate between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm, marking the end of a 57-day disruption that forced the airline to operate via a temporary base in Saudi Arabia. Passengers are required to check in at the Park & Fly facility at least four hours before departure, where transfers will be provided to Terminal 5 for boarding. The airline will serve 27 destinations, restoring connectivity to key regional and international markets.

End of Dual-Country Operations

The full resumption follows a partial return of direct flights last week and concludes Jazeera Airways’ dual-country operations under Project Barakah. During the airport closure, the airline maintained connectivity through an integrated land-air corridor via dual bases in Qaisumah and Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Over the 57-day period, Jazeera operated more than 1,500 flights, facilitated over 9,000 bus movements, and transported close to 200,000 passengers. The effort was supported by more than 500 employees and the deployment of 14 aircraft.

CEO Expresses Gratitude

Barathan Pasupathi, Chief Executive Officer of Jazeera Airways, called the resumption a significant milestone. “Operating directly from Kuwait across our network enhances connectivity for our passengers, while improving convenience and overall travel experience,” he said. Pasupathi extended appreciation to the Kuwait Directorate General for Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Interior, and all government entities for their support. He also thanked the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, partners, and employees for their resilience, and passengers for their trust and patience.

Kuwait Airways Expands Network

Kuwait Airways announced it will resume flights to 13 destinations from Terminal 4 starting Sunday as part of the second phase of its gradual restart. This brings the total number of destinations served by the airline to 29. Acting CEO Abdulwahab Al-Shatti said the selected routes reflect market demand and reaffirmed the airline’s operational readiness and commitment to safety and service quality. The phased reopening began in late April after Kuwait’s airspace reopened on April 23.

Defense and Security Readiness

Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Sabah conducted an inspection visit to Mubarak Al-Abdullah Joint Command and Staff College to review preparations for the military aptitude test for candidates in the 2027–2028 command and staff courses. He also toured the technical affairs sector, chairing a meeting to follow up on key strategic projects, and reviewed design and construction progress supporting military infrastructure. Acting National Guard Undersecretary Lt Gen Hamad Al-Barjas stressed the need to maintain the highest levels of readiness and discipline during an inspection of a site secured by task forces. He conveyed leadership’s appreciation for personnel and praised their morale, dedication, and professionalism.

Food Security and Industrial Support

The Public Authority for Food and Nutrition affirmed that Kuwait’s food situation remains safe and stable, backed by intensive inspections and continuous monitoring of the local market. Field teams operate round the clock to ensure compliance with health regulations, while laboratory specialists conduct rigorous testing to safeguard food quality. Minister of Commerce and Industry Osama Boodai emphasized support for the national industrial sector during an inspection of factories and warehouses. He reviewed production processes, storage capacity, and operational readiness, praising the efficiency of local manufacturers and their contribution to maintaining stable supply chains.

Labor Market Flexibility

The Public Authority of Manpower announced that a decision allowing workers in certain restricted sectors to transfer to other sectors took effect Friday and will run through June 30. Applications must be submitted via the “Ashal Companies” service, with employer approval required. The move covers sectors including small and medium enterprises, industry, agriculture, herding, and fishing. It aims to balance labor market needs with regulatory flexibility, providing workers with greater mobility while supporting economic activity.

The bottom line

• Jazeera Airways fully resumes operations from Terminal 5 on May 3, ending a 57-day disruption that required a temporary base in Saudi Arabia.
• The airline operated over 1,500 flights and transported nearly 200,000 passengers during the closure via Project Barakah.
• Kuwait Airways expands to 29 destinations as part of a phased restart from Terminal 4.
• Defense and National Guard officials conducted inspections to maintain military readiness and discipline.
• Kuwait’s food supply remains stable with continuous monitoring and inspections by the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition.
• A new labor policy allows workers in restricted sectors to transfer jobs through June 30, enhancing labor market flexibility.