Kuwait International Airport is ready to resume full operations once approved, with current security measures remaining in place as precautionary steps following regional tensions, the civil aviation authority said.
Acting Director General of the Public Authority of Civil Aviation Duaij Al-Otaibi said passenger safety remains the top priority.
“The safety and security of passengers and the protection of their lives and property are the highest priority in all operational procedures”, he said.
Kuwait reopened its airspace and airport in April after a suspension that began on February 28. The first phase of reopening started on April 26 with limited flights operating from designated terminals under a gradual plan that is still under review.
Al-Otaibi said the airport is expected to return to pre-disruption levels soon, with ongoing efforts to improve efficiency. Passengers are currently required to check in at parking areas outside T4 and T5 terminals at least four hours before departure, before being transferred inside for procedures.
He said current security measures are precautionary and designed to ensure high levels of protection, even if they cause inconvenience.
“These measures are aimed at protecting everyone and their belongings”, he said.
Passenger movement is being managed to maintain flow from parking areas to terminals. Boarding bridges are not in use, with buses transporting passengers to aircraft. The system is under review and may be reinstated.
Special arrangements are in place for elderly passengers and people with disabilities, including electric carts and elevators.
Al-Otaibi said the main airport entrance is expected to reopen in the coming days after coordination with authorities including the Ministry of Interior and the Kuwait Fire Force. Measures are reviewed weekly as part of a gradual return to normal operations.
He said the airport’s control tower, described as one of the most advanced globally, was targeted during an Iranian attack. Damage was documented and condemned by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Radar systems and other equipment were also hit but repaired quickly.
He added that Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah visited the site to review damage and preparedness, and praised readiness levels.
Al-Otaibi said cooperation with Gulf states helped maintain operations, including support that allowed Kuwaiti airlines to use regional airports.
He said Kuwait’s aviation infrastructure includes modern runways, air traffic systems and navigation technologies, and the country is working to become a major regional hub through development plans linked to projects such as Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port.
Plans are also in place to establish a specialised aviation academy to train Kuwaiti youth, with increased participation expected as demand grows.
Al-Otaibi urged passengers to follow guidelines, avoid congestion, arrive at least three hours before flights and travel without unnecessary companions.
He said behaviours such as booking without travelling or arriving late affect airline operations and other passengers.