DUBAI: Kuwait reopened its airspace at Kuwait International Airport on Thursday night, bringing an end to a two-month suspension of operations triggered by regional hostilities.
The move marks the beginning of a gradual restoration of international air traffic, with initial flights departing for several global destinations, including London, Istanbul, Lahore, Dhaka, Manila, Cairo and Riyadh, among others.
According to the country’s Civil Aviation Authority, the reopening is being carried out under a “phased plan to gradually resume air traffic in preparation for the airport’s full operation in the coming period,” as stated by Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah in remarks reported by the state-run Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
Authorities confirmed that an assessment has been completed regarding damage sustained at certain airport facilities following Iranian attacks during the period of conflict.
Technical teams have already begun maintenance and repair work on affected infrastructure and equipment to ensure operational readiness.
Sheikh Al-Sabah further noted that initial operations would be limited to selected routes and stations prioritised for safety and security reasons.
These operations will be gradually expanded based on ongoing technical evaluations and operational assessments.
The reopening comes amid a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, also involving Israel, following escalating tensions that began on February 28, which led to the suspension of airport operations as a precautionary measure.
As part of the reopening plan, Kuwait Airways announced the resumption of flights to 17 international destinations starting Sunday, 26 April.
These include London, Istanbul, Lahore, Dhaka, Mumbai, Delhi, Manila, Cairo, Riyadh, Jeddah, Colombo, Guangzhou, Beirut, and Damascus, among others.
Some of these routes, operating from Terminal 4, will run up to four times a week, while others will have reduced frequencies. Cairo services are scheduled to operate daily.
In parallel, low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways confirmed the restart of operations from Terminal 5 to nine destinations, also beginning Sunday.
These include Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Dubai, Istanbul, Mumbai, Kochi, and New Delhi. The airline said services would be gradually expanded as airport operations return to full capacity.
Authorities have indicated that further expansion of international routes will follow once safety assessments and operational benchmarks are fully met, paving the way for a complete return to normal airport activity in the coming period.
