KUWAIT CITY, May 5: The Director of the Air Navigation Department, Dawood Al-Jarrah, confirmed that the department has enacted necessary precautionary measures in response to the exceptional weather conditions affecting the country. These actions were taken in accordance with established regulations and recommendations to ensure the safety of air traffic and passengers.

Al-Jarrah informed the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the department has adhered to the highest international safety and security standards following the weather instability experienced on Sunday evening. The adverse conditions were characterized by the formation of cumulonimbus thunderclouds, accompanied by significant wind activity, with speeds exceeding 35 knots (70 kilometers per hour) and gusts surpassing 40 knots (approximately 85 kilometers per hour). This led to a reduction in horizontal visibility to less than 300 meters.

To mitigate the impact on air traffic, the department diverted two Cairo Airlines flights at 10:47 PM local time. The first flight, originating from Assiut Airport, and the second from Cairo Airport, were rerouted to Dammam Airport due to the inability to land at Kuwait International Airport. Additionally, one of the two IndiGo flights coming from Delhi Airport was diverted to Dammam Airport after being placed on hold in the air at 11:05 PM. The other flight, arriving from Ahmedabad Airport, was able to land safely at Kuwait International Airport at 11:41 PM.

Despite the prevailing weather conditions, a Kuwait Airways flight arriving from Dubai successfully landed at Kuwait International Airport at 11:06 PM. Al-Jarrah emphasized that these measures were implemented to prioritize passenger safety and minimize disruptions to air travel.

The Air Navigation Department continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to take further actions as necessary to maintain the safety and efficiency of air operations in Kuwait