Kuwait reopens airspace after suspension amid regional tensions

• Gradual resumption of flights at Kuwait International Airport

Kuwait has announced the reopening of its airspace and the resumption of operations at Kuwait International Airport starting Thursday, following a temporary suspension imposed in late February due to regional instability.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said air traffic had been halted on February 28 as a “precautionary and temporary” measure amid escalating tensions and what Kuwaiti authorities described as Iranian attacks on the country.

Phased plan to restore full operations

Sheikh Humoud Al-Sabah, head of Kuwait’s civil aviation authority, said the reopening comes in coordination with local and international bodies to ensure operations resume under the highest safety and security standards.

He added that the airport will follow a phased and carefully planned approach, with a gradual return of flights before full operations are restored in the coming period.

Initial operations will be limited to selected terminals and destinations, with each phase assessed before expanding further.

Repairs completed after damage assessment

Authorities said inspections had been completed to assess damage to airport facilities following the recent attacks.

Technical teams have since carried out maintenance and repairs to infrastructure, equipment and operational systems to ensure full readiness.

Flights to resume from Sunday

Commercial flights are set to resume gradually from Sunday, operating from passenger terminals T4 and T5 to a number of destinations.

Kuwait Airways said it will restart services from Terminal 4 to 17 destinations, including London, Istanbul, Cairo, Riyadh, Jeddah, Mumbai, Delhi, Manila and Beirut.

The airline’s acting CEO, Abdulwahab Al-Shatti, said flight schedules will vary by destination, with some routes operating multiple weekly services and others limited to fewer flights during the initial phase.

Regional support and coordination

Kuwaiti officials praised the efforts of aviation staff and government agencies for managing what they described as an “exceptional phase” and accelerating the restoration of operations.

They also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for supporting Kuwaiti carriers by facilitating operations through its airports during the disruption.

Officials highlighted broader Gulf coordination on shared airspace during the crisis, saying it helped maintain regional air traffic continuity.

Focus on safety and service quality

Kuwait Airways said the phased resumption reflects its commitment to maintaining operational efficiency and delivering high-quality services to passengers.

The airline added it is fully prepared to handle varying operational conditions, emphasizing flexibility, safety and a smooth travel experience as flights gradually return to normal.