No Photos, No Videos: Kuwait Airport Imposes Strict Ban on Photography and Live Streaming

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 5: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has prohibited employees and all entities operating at Kuwait International Airport from using mobile phones, cameras or any other technological devices to take photographs, record videos or conduct live streaming from within airport workplaces and facilities.

The ban was introduced under Circular No. 60 of 2026, issued on Nov 5 by Acting Director General of the General Authority of Civil Aviation Engineer Saad Al-Otaibi.

Under Article One of the circular, the prohibition applies to the entire Kuwait International Airport premises, including passenger terminals, administrative and technical buildings, and all facilities and buildings belonging to the Civil Aviation Authority.

The circular also expressly prohibits photographing or publishing internal documents and correspondence, as well as information relating to security procedures and systems, inspection checkpoints, surveillance cameras, aircraft movements and operational activities.

The Authority said the decision was taken because Kuwait International Airport and its facilities are considered vital and sensitive installations. It cited the need to protect the privacy of airport employees and passengers, as well as operational requirements and the public interest.

Article Two stipulates that anyone violating the circular will face legal accountability in accordance with Kuwait's applicable laws, regulations and decisions.

According to Article Three, the circular takes effect immediately from the date of issuance and must be communicated to all sectors and departments operating within the Civil Aviation Authority and Kuwait International Airport.

The circular is based on Decree-Law No. 15 of 1979 concerning Civil Service and its amendments, the Civil Service System issued on April 4, 1979, Decree-Law No. 85 of 2025 promulgating the Civil Aviation Law, and Civil Service Commission Circular No. 2 of 2021 concerning the Code of Conduct for Government Employees.