KUWAIT CITY, Jan 3: During the 2026 New Year’s holiday, Kuwait International Airport successfully handled a huge increase in traffic, with 154,000 passengers traveling on 1,033 flights. This achievement was the result of a comprehensive operational plan implemented by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) to ensure smooth passenger flow in all terminals. In a press release, Mansour Al-Hashemi, Director of Operations at PACA, confirmed the airport’s readiness for the surge, noting that there were 516 arriving and 517 departing flights, totaling 1,033, over the three-day period. He explained that the comprehensive operational plan was developed by PACA in close coordination with all service providers at the airport and in partnership with important government agencies. These partners included the Ministry of Interior, the General Administration of Customs, and all other airport operating entities.

The main goal of this coordinated effort was to streamline procedures and ensure the efficient movement of passengers. The plan involved preparing precise flight schedules for passengers in the various airport terminals and organizing flight distribution to enhance operational efficiency. Meanwhile, informed sources revealed that travel demand for the New Year holiday surged significantly, with Dubai, Istanbul, Jeddah, Cairo, and London emerging as the most popular destinations. They explained that PACA, in response to the substantial increase in passenger traffic, escalated the preparedness of its operational sectors. A comprehensive plan was implemented to efficiently manage passenger flow at Kuwait International Airport.

The main measures included doubling the number of staff at gates, transit areas, and in the departure and arrival halls. The sources affirmed that all departments at Kuwait International Airport had raised their readiness to the highest level to handle the increased volume of departures and arrivals during the holiday period and ensure smooth travel. They added that PACA is committed to continuously developing and improving passenger services and enhancing operational efficiency to better accommodate the growing number of travelers during holiday seasons.

By Mohammed Al-Enezi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff