‘Omicron’ creates gloomy scene at Kuwait International Airport

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 KUWAIT CITY, Dec 27: Generally during the end of the year and new year Kuwait International Airport witnesses large moments of travelers. This  year a small number of departures were witnessed. The holidays coincided with student exams at universities and schools plus there has been a spread of Omicron in favorite destinations. Also Cabinet Ministers have made compulsory 10 days home quarantine or to do a PCR test negative after 72 hours of arrival and get away with additional 7 days of quarantine.  

All these factors have put a roadblock in departures. Many international connecting flights have been canceled, and travelers avoided travel in order not to get infected or due to fear of Kuwait airport being closed, many did not want to take a risk.  

The new circular was issued by the administration to all airlines operating at Kuwait Airport to implement new procedures. One of the main procedures was for departing Kuwaiti citizens, those who have been vaccinated with a second dose 9 months before, a booster dose was compulsory before traveling. Another main decision was for arrivals, a home quarantine for a period of 10 days after arrival, if they need to end their quarantine period after 72 hrs of arrival PCR test confirming negative can end their home quarantine. Also arriving passengers need to provide a swab test of 48 hrs PCR negative certificate before boarding the flight instead of 72 hrs. The Cabinet Ministers also recommended avoiding traveling due to the increase in spread of infection and staying safe. 

On Sunday,  Kuwait International Airport witnessed 100 flights arriving and 100 flights departing in total 200 flights bringing in 12,998 passengers and 11,289 passengers departed. 

All arriving passengers have to have a valid PCR certificate and need to register in Immune App (with approved vaccines in Kuwait) and Kuwait Mobile ID app. On Arrival Shlonak App needs to be installed on phone for 10 days quarantine purpose. Compulsory 72 hrs home quarantine is a must only after that PCR test with negative result can end their home quarantine.

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