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Post-Crisis Repairs Drive Phased Reopening of Kuwait Airport

Saudi, GCC Support Key to Kuwait Airspace Recovery

publish time

24/04/2026

publish time

24/04/2026

KUWAIT CITY, April 24: Kuwait has officially reopened its airspace and resumed operations at Kuwait International Airport following a temporary disruption attributed by authorities to what they described as “Iranian aggression and its affiliated groups.”

The announcement was made by Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Hamoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), who confirmed that the reopening has been carried out in close coordination with national authorities and international aviation bodies to ensure strict adherence to global safety and security standards.

Al-Sabah said the move marks the beginning of a carefully designed phased recovery plan aimed at restoring full air traffic operations in the coming period. “The resumption is being implemented gradually and in accordance with a comprehensive strategy to ensure operational readiness and passenger safety,” he noted.

Damage Assessment and Restoration Efforts
The DGCA has completed a full assessment of the damage sustained by airport facilities during the disruption. According to Al-Sabah, the impact was linked to what he described as “aggression and actions by armed factions affiliated with Iran.”

Technical teams have since begun maintenance and repair work across key operational systems and infrastructure. Initial flight operations will be limited to selected destinations and prioritized routes, with continuous monitoring and evaluation before expanding services in subsequent phases.

Regional Support and Coordination
Kuwait also acknowledged significant regional support during the crisis, particularly from Saudi Arabia, which facilitated the temporary operation of Kuwaiti carriers through its airports.

Al-Sabah expressed appreciation for what he described as strong bilateral cooperation, emphasizing that the assistance reflects the depth of longstanding ties between the two countries.

He further highlighted the role of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), noting that member states coordinated closely to maintain a unified and stable airspace framework during the disruption. This coordination helped ensure the continuity of regional air traffic despite the challenging circumstances.

Leadership and Workforce Commended
Al-Sabah credited Kuwait’s political leadership for its decisive support in managing the crisis and accelerating recovery efforts. He also praised DGCA personnel and various government agencies operating at the airport for their role in navigating what he described as an “exceptional phase.”

“The combined efforts of all stakeholders have been instrumental in mitigating the impact of the crisis and enabling a swift and efficient return to operations,” he said.

Authorities indicated that further updates on the expansion of flight operations and full restoration of airport services will be announced as progress continues.