KUWAIT CITY, Mar 1: The Director General of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Duaij Al-Otaibi, said that damage assessment work at Kuwait International Airport will begin at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, with a maintenance and repair plan to be prepared to resume operations as soon as full readiness is ensured.

In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Otaibi said the situation at the airport is stable, urging the public to rely on official sources for information and avoid rumors.

He said emergency procedures were implemented immediately following the targeting of the airport, with the contingency plan activated under the direct supervision of the Authority’s Chairman, Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al-Sabah, and in coordination with relevant state bodies.

An aviation notice suspending air traffic in Kuwait’s airspace was issued at 12:07 a.m. as a precautionary measure to eliminate risks to aircraft and passengers, he said, noting that the response was carried out successfully in line with approved protocols.

Al-Otaibi added that passenger terminals T1, T4 and T5 were fully evacuated in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and other authorities. The evacuation process proceeded smoothly through joint efforts by airport personnel.

He said Terminal 1 was struck by a drone shortly before the Maghrib prayer on Saturday, causing minor material damage and injuring nine workers. All injured are in stable condition and receiving necessary medical care.

Incoming flights were diverted to alternative airports during the temporary closure, with all aircraft and passengers reported safe. Several travelers were accommodated in hotels in accordance with established procedures.

He also noted that His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister, visited the airport to review the measures taken and directed that maintenance and repair work be completed swiftly, with emphasis on maintaining the highest safety standards.

Al-Otaibi expressed hopes that Kuwait will continue to enjoy security and stability under the leadership of His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.