Kuwait International Airport Ready for Full Operations After Iranian Attack Repairs

Key facts

• Kuwait International Airport suspended operations on February 28 due to regional tensions and reopened on April 26 with limited flights.
• The airport's control tower, one of the most advanced globally, was targeted during the Iranian attack and subsequently condemned by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
• Acting Director General Duaij Al-Otaibi confirmed the airport is safe and ready for full operations once approved by relevant authorities.
• Current security measures include off-site check-in at parking areas T4 and T5, bus transport to aircraft, and closure of passenger boarding bridges for security reasons.
• The main terminal entrance is expected to reopen in the coming days after coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the Kuwait Fire Force.
• Radar systems and other equipment damaged in the attack were repaired quickly with state leadership support.
• Special arrangements for elderly and disabled passengers include electric carts and elevators.
• Kuwait aims to become a major aviation hub in the Middle East, linked with Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port and wider transport networks.

Airport Declared Safe After Gradual Reopening

Kuwait International Airport is safe and fully prepared to resume complete operations once approval is granted by the relevant authorities, Acting Director General of the Public Authority of Civil Aviation Duaij Al-Otaibi said on Monday. In an interview with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Otaibi stressed that passenger safety and the protection of lives and property remain the highest priority across all operational procedures. The airport reopened its airspace and operations in April after a temporary suspension that began on February 28 due to regional developments. The first phase of reopening started on April 26, with limited flights operating from designated terminals under a gradual resumption plan that remains under ongoing review.

Precautionary Security Measures in Place

Al-Otaibi explained that current security measures are precautionary and designed to ensure the highest levels of protection, even if they cause inconvenience to travelers. “These measures are aimed at protecting everyone and their belongings,” he said. Passengers must check in at parking areas outside the T4 and T5 terminals at least four hours before departure, from where they are transferred inside the airport to complete check-in and boarding procedures. For security reasons, passenger boarding bridges are not currently in use; instead, buses transport passengers to and from aircraft. The system is under review and may be reinstated after assessment. Special arrangements have been made for elderly passengers and people with disabilities, including electric carts and elevators to ease movement inside the airport.

Control Tower and Radar Systems Damaged in Iranian Attack

Al-Otaibi revealed that the airport’s control tower, described as one of the most advanced globally, was targeted during the Iranian attack. Damage was documented through audio and video evidence and later condemned by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Radar systems and other equipment were also damaged but were repaired quickly with support from state leadership and coordination among relevant agencies. His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah visited the site to review damage and preparedness efforts, praising the level of readiness and safety compliance. Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah, head of the Civil Aviation Authority, successfully implemented emergency and security procedures in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, the General Fire Force, customs authorities, and other relevant bodies.

Gradual Return to Normal Operations Expected Soon

Al-Otaibi said the airport is expected to return soon to its pre-disruption operational level, with ongoing efforts to improve performance and efficiency. The main entrance to the airport is expected to reopen in the coming days after evaluation in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the Kuwait Fire Force. All measures are being continuously reviewed on a weekly basis, with the goal of a gradual return to normal operations. He urged passengers to follow guidelines, avoid unnecessary congestion, arrive at least three hours before flights, and travel without extra companions unless needed. He also noted that certain passenger behaviors, such as booking without traveling or arriving late, affect airline operations and other travelers.

Regional Cooperation and Future Ambitions

Al-Otaibi commended cooperation with Gulf states, including support from the General Authority of Civil Aviation in Saudi Arabia, which facilitated operations by opening airports to Kuwaiti carriers. He said Kuwait’s infrastructure places it among the most advanced aviation systems globally, pointing to modern runways, air traffic systems, and navigation technologies. Kuwait is working toward becoming a major aviation hub in the Middle East, supported by government projects and strategic development plans, including links with Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port and wider transport networks. Plans are also underway to establish a specialized aviation academy aimed at training more Kuwaiti youth, with increased participation of young men and women in the sector.

Staffing and Training Expansion Needed

Al-Otaibi highlighted that staffing and training efforts will need to expand in the coming period due to expected growth in demand. He stressed the importance of structured development programs to prepare Kuwaiti nationals for careers in aviation. The increased participation of young men and women in the sector is a positive sign, but more capacity is needed to meet future requirements. The airport’s rapid recovery and the institutional integration demonstrated during the crisis reflect a high degree of readiness, Al-Otaibi said. He praised the support of Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, who monitored readiness and ensured the provision of necessary support to enhance operational efficiency.

The bottom line

• Kuwait International Airport is safe and ready for full operations, pending approval from relevant authorities.
• The airport's control tower and radar systems were damaged in an Iranian attack but have been repaired quickly.
• Precautionary security measures, including off-site check-in and bus transport, remain in place but are under weekly review.
• The main terminal entrance is expected to reopen in the coming days after coordination with security agencies.
• Kuwait aims to become a major aviation hub, with plans for a new aviation academy and expanded transport links.
• Regional cooperation, particularly with Saudi Arabia, has been crucial in maintaining operations during the crisis.