KUWAIT CITY, Sept 22: Recent statistics from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed that approximately 1.7 million air tickets were issued from Kuwait in the first half of this year, which indicates an increase in travel, particularly since travelers are returning from summer vacation. The newspaper obtained a copy of the statistics; stating that 294,000 air tickets were issued in January; 254,000 in February; 237,500 in March; 283,000 in April; 348,800 in May – the highest so far; and 299,200 in June.

The Kuwait Travel and Tourism Agencies Association reported that ticket sales revenues in the country, through the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s bank reconciliation system, reached KD 244 million (approx. USD 797.6 million) in the first eight months of 2024. Association’s chief of board of directors, Mohammad Al-Mutairi, told KUNA that the sales represent more than 2.3 million travel tickets issued, not including seasonal trips and low-cost flights.

Kuwait has around 591 authorized tourism and travel agencies -- 6.25 percent of the total in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA); while 85 airlines are operating at Kuwait International Airport. In terms of ticket sales, the statistics showed that the aviation industry experienced a notable economic rebound, with earnings from ticket sales totaling approximately KD 180 million from January to June. May recorded the highest ticket sales at KD38 million, followed by June with KD33 million and January with KD30.6 million. Airport sources said most travelers are now returning from their summer vacation.

To maintain regular traffic and prevent congestion, particularly during peak hours; the devices at the airport fully operate based on the performance of the operational sectors and efforts to improve the services offered to passengers. Sources affirmed that the necessary steps have been taken to optimize passenger services and increase productivity to handle the growing volume of travelers. The Association is keen on cooperating with local airlines, especially as Kuwait Airways sticks to diversifying destinations and increasing the number of high-demand flights, Al-Mutairi stated. He hailed Kuwait Airways’ adherence to take-off and landing schedules, and their efforts in decreasing wait time and preventing crowding by permitting travelers to deposit baggage 12 hours before flight.

By Mohammad Al-Musleh
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff and Agencies