Kuwait Airport Declared Safe and Ready for Full Operations After Repairs, Acting Aviation Chief Says

Key facts

• Acting Director General of Civil Aviation Duaij Al-Otaibi stated Kuwait International Airport is secure and ready for full operations pending approval.
• Damage to the control tower and radar systems has been repaired with support from state authorities.
• The International Civil Aviation Organization formally condemned the attack on Kuwait's civil aviation infrastructure.
• Temporary reliance on buses instead of jet bridges is in place for security reasons.
• The main terminal entrance is expected to reopen in the coming days after final evaluations.
• HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired a meeting on restructuring government entities.
• Fire Force Chief Lt Gen Talal Al-Roumi praised personnel for high readiness on International Firefighters Day.

Airport Declared Secure After Repairs

Kuwait International Airport is secure and ready to resume full operations once the relevant authorities give their approval, Acting Director General of Civil Aviation Duaij Al-Otaibi said on Monday. Al-Otaibi stressed that passenger safety remains the top priority as the airport gradually returns to normal following recent regional tensions. Damage to critical infrastructure, including the control tower and radar systems, has been fully repaired with support from state authorities and coordination across multiple agencies. The International Civil Aviation Organization issued a formal condemnation of the attack on Kuwait’s civil aviation infrastructure, underscoring the seriousness of the incident.

Precautionary Measures and Gradual Return to Normalcy

Al-Otaibi described the current security measures as precautionary, noting that passenger flow is being managed to ensure smooth movement. For security reasons, the airport is temporarily relying on buses to transport passengers instead of using jet bridges. The main terminal entrance is expected to reopen in the coming days after final evaluations are completed. The airport is gradually returning to normal operations, with the acting director emphasizing that all steps are taken with passenger safety as the foremost concern.

Leadership and Government Restructuring Efforts

HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah chaired a meeting to review and follow up on the restructuring of government entities and public institutions. The meeting directed a comprehensive reassessment of organizational structures to enhance efficiency, transparency, and optimal use of state resources while keeping pace with future demands. Separately, the education ministry approved in-person school hours for adult education and literacy programs at the secondary level, aiming to improve discipline and ensure efficient learning.

Aviation Infrastructure and Future Plans

Al-Otaibi highlighted Kuwait’s advanced aviation infrastructure and strategic plans to position the country as a regional logistics hub. These plans are supported by future connectivity projects and investment in national talent, including the establishment of a specialized aviation academy. The acting director’s comments came as part of a broader effort to reassure the public and international partners about the safety and readiness of Kuwait’s aviation sector. The airport handled more than 1.5 million passengers in August 2023, underscoring its importance as a regional hub.

International Condemnation and Regional Context

The International Civil Aviation Organization’s formal condemnation of the attack on Kuwait’s civil aviation infrastructure highlights the international dimension of the incident. The attack occurred amid heightened regional tensions, with Iran hitting UAE and Oman as the Strait of Hormuz situation simmered. Kuwait has also faced challenges such as heavy fog, which led the Civil Aviation authority to divert planes to neighboring countries in November 2025, and regional tensions that prompted Kuwait Airways to suspend all flights in February 2026. These events have tested the resilience of Kuwait’s aviation infrastructure.

Outlook and Continued Vigilance

As Kuwait International Airport moves toward full operations, the focus remains on maintaining security and efficiency. Al-Otaibi’s assurances come at a time when the airport is gradually returning to normal, but the precautionary measures indicate that vigilance remains high. The government’s restructuring efforts, including the reassessment of organizational structures, aim to ensure that state resources are used optimally to meet future demands. The planned aviation academy and connectivity projects signal a long-term commitment to strengthening Kuwait’s position as a regional logistics hub.

The bottom line

• Kuwait International Airport is secure and ready for full operations, pending approval, after repairs to damaged control tower and radar systems.
• Passenger safety is the top priority, with temporary reliance on buses instead of jet bridges for security reasons.
• The International Civil Aviation Organization formally condemned the attack on Kuwait's civil aviation infrastructure.
• Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah is leading a comprehensive reassessment of government structures to enhance efficiency.
• Kuwait plans to invest in a specialized aviation academy and connectivity projects to become a regional logistics hub.
• The airport handled over 1.5 million passengers in August 2023, highlighting its importance as a regional hub.