Kuwait International Airport

The airport was first launched in 1927–1928.{{cite web|title=History|url=http://www.kuwait-airport.com.kw/DGCA/History_E.htm|publisher=Kuwait International Airport|access-date=30 September 2014|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191426/http://www.kuwait-airport.com.kw/dgca/History_E.htm|url-status=dead}} It was originally envisioned as a stop for British planes on their way to British India. The current main airport structure, designed by Kenzo Tange and opened in 1979, was executed and completed by Al Hani Construction in a joint venture with Ballast Nedam of The Netherlands.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

On February 27, 1991, during the final days of the Gulf War, in part of the liberation of Kuwait, the airport became the scene of a tank battle between Iraqi forces and elements of the U.S. Army Special Forces.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

The airport underwent a large renovation and expansion project from 1999 to 2001, in which the former parking lot was cleared and a terminal expansion was built.{{cite web|url=https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/kuwait-international/|title=Kuwait International Airport Expansion|website=Airport Technology|access-date=30 March 2025}}

Kuwait International Airport can currently handle more than 13 million passengers a year. A new general aviation terminal was completed in 2008 under a BOT scheme and is operated by Royal Aviation.{{cite web

|url=https://www.dgca.gov.kw/History?menuid=9

|title=History - Directorate General of Civil Aviation

|website=Directorate General of Civil Aviation - Kuwait

|access-date=30 March 2025}}

In 2011, the Department of Civil Aviation announced the intention of extending Kuwait International Airport so it can handle more passengers and more aircraft. On October 3, 2011, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced that a new Foster + Partners designed terminal will begin construction in 2012 and will increase the annual passenger handling amount to 14 million passengers in its first phase with the option of expanding to 25 million passengers. The airport finalized formalities for the construction of the terminal, which was due to begin construction in 2012 with completion by 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/kuwait-international-airport|title=Kuwait International Airport|website=Foster + Partners|access-date=30 March 2025}} It would be built to the south of the current terminal complex with new access routes from the Seventh Ring Road to the south of the airport compound. It is designed as a three-pointed star, with each point extending 600 meters from the star's center. Two airside hotels will form part of the new building.

In December 2012, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Public Works announced that the new Terminal at the Kuwait International Airport would be completed by the end of 2016, estimating the cost to be around 900 million Kuwaiti dinar ($3.2 billion). On May 20, 2013, the Director of Operations Management in the General Administration of Civil Aviation, Essam Al-Zamil, announced that some of the flights will be diverted to the Sheikh Saad Terminal instead of Kuwait Airport's main terminal starting in July due to the large number of passengers and the growing number of aircraft attributing to Kuwait Airport being over capacity.{{cite web|url = https://www.zawya.com/story/Firms_quit_Kuwait_airport_project_second_terminal_put_on_hold-ZAWYA20140615100523/|title = Firms quit Kuwait airport project; second terminal put on hold|date = 15 June 2014|access-date = 16 August 2014|website = Zawya}}

On May 22, 2018, Jazeera Airways launched its own dedicated terminal at Kuwait International Airport, to be called Terminal 5. It is located directly adjacent to and connected to the existing main building, but features dedicated arrival/departure areas, customs and all supporting functions in order to alleviate congestion at the main building. All Jazeera arrivals will arrive at the new terminal from opening, while departing flights will transition from the current terminal between May 22 and May 27. By May 27, all departing and arriving Jazeera flights will be handled exclusively at Terminal 5.{{cite web|url = https://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/jazeera-airways-announces-start-flights-new-dedicated-terminal-may-22-1134618|title = Jazeera Airways Announces Start of Flights From New Dedicated Terminal on May 22|date = 21 May 2018|access-date = 21 May 2018|website = Albawaba}}

On August 8, 2018, Terminal 4 was inaugurated to cater to all flights operated by Kuwait's national carrier, Kuwait Airways. Terminal 4 can handle 4.5 million passengers annually and eases congestion at Terminal 1.{{cn|date=March 2024}} There are 2,450 additional car parking spaces in a dedicated surface lot adjacent to the terminal and connected to the building by a bridge.

From 13 March to 1 August 2020, all commercial flights at Kuwait International Airport were suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cn|date=March 2024}}

The airport is home to the Abdullah Al-Mubarak Air Base, which is used by the Kuwait Air Force and has been used by Italian Air Force Boeing KC-767s since October 2014 for the fight against ISIL.{{cite book|title=AirForces Monthly|date=July 2016|publisher=Key Publishing Ltd|location=Stamford, Lincolnshire, England|page=8|title-link=AirForces Monthly}} The gateway at Abdullah Al-Mubarak Air Base, used by US Air Force and coalition forces, was replaced after over 20 years of operation in 2019 with the opening of Cargo City, located adjacent to a newly built ramp on the airport's western side. Cargo City is operated by the 387th Air Expeditionary Group, with the 5th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron providing additional services like maintenance for military and contract flights.{{cite web |last=Cloys |first=Robert |date=2019-05-24 |title=Cargo City officially opens as new gateway in Kuwait |url=https://www.afcent.af.mil/Units/386th-Air-Expeditionary-Wing/News/Display/Article/1857701/cargo-city-officially-opens-as-new-gateway-in-kuwait/ |access-date=2022-07-10 |website=U.S. Air Forces Central |language=en-US}}{{cite web|last=Everstine|first=Brian W.|access-date=2020-07-10|url=http://www.airforcemag.com/Features/Pages/2019/May%202019/Cargo-City-Opens-in-Kuwait.aspx|title=Cargo City Opens in Kuwait|publisher=Air Force Magazine|date=October 27, 2019}}

The airport lies at an elevation of {{convert|204|ft|0}} above mean sea level. It has two runways: 15R/33L with a concrete surface measuring {{Convert|3400|x|46|m|abbr=on}} and 15L/33R with an asphalt surface measuring {{Convert|3500|x|46|m|abbr=on}}.

File:Kuwait airport.jpg

File:Part_of_the_duty_free_area_at_OKBK.JPG

Kuwait International Airport will have five operational, numbered terminals by 2026.{{Cite web |last=arabtimes |date=2025-03-17 |title=Kuwait Gears Up for Aviation Renaissance with New Airport Opening in 2026 |url=https://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/kuwait-gears-up-for-aviation-renaissance-with-new-airport-opening-in-2026/ |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=arabtimes |language=en}}

Terminal 1, designed by Kenzo Tange, is the primary building at Kuwait International Airport and houses most arriving and departing flights other than those operated by Jazeera Airways, Etihad, Emirates and flydubai, which operate out of the other terminals; it has 16 gates. The terminal also houses restaurants, duty-free shops, security checkpoints, and four lounges.

Terminal 2, designed by Foster and Partners, will expand the airport's overall capacity by 25–50 million passengers per year through the introduction of a triangular building with 28 gates, 4,500 additional parking spaces and a 400-bed air-side hotel.{{cite web|title=Kuwait International Airport New Terminal|work=Airport Technology|url=https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/kuwait-international-airport-new-terminal/}} It began construction in May 2017 and was due for completion in August 2022, but was initially delayed to 2024 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following further delays, the new target operation date for T2 is set for the last quarter of 2026.

The new terminal is environmentally sustainable, and aims to achieve LEED Gold certification.{{cite web|title=Kuwait seeks to list Terminal 2 as environmentally friendly|work=Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)|url=https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2970060&language=en|date=8 April 2021}} It is one of the world's largest environment friendly airport projects,{{cite web|url=http://80.241.146.114/gulfconstruction/news/1625946_Eyeing-the-private-sector.html|date=1 June 2021|title=Eyeing the private sector|work=Gulf Construction}} and forms an essential part of Kuwait Vision 2035.

Originally named the Sheikh Saad General Aviation Terminal and conceived for use by private aircraft, Terminal 3 is a small building that was used exclusively by Aegean Airlines and flydubai before being shut down due to work in Terminal 2.

Terminal 4 Inaugurated on 8 August 2018, Terminal 4 at Kuwait International Airport is exclusively used by Kuwait Airways, Kuwait's national carrier. The terminal was designed by the Spanish branch of the American company AECOM and constructed by a joint venture between Cengiz Insaat and First Kuwaiti Contractor. It spans over 55,000 square meters and is located adjacent to the airport's cargo-handling facilities. The terminal features five bus gates and nine boarding bridges, enabling it to accommodate up to eight aircraft simultaneously.

With an annual capacity to handle 4.5 million passengers, Terminal 4 was built to alleviate congestion at Terminal 1 and enhance the overall airport experience. It offers 2,450 parking spaces in a dedicated lot connected to the terminal by a bridge. In addition to these facilities, the terminal is equipped with modern amenities and streamlined operational processes, aimed at providing passengers with a more efficient and comfortable travel experience.

The addition of Terminal 4 marked a significant milestone in the expansion and modernization of Kuwait International Airport, reflecting the country's commitment to improving its aviation infrastructure in line with global standards.

{{cite web|url=https://www.kuwaitairport.gov.kw/en/from-and-to-the-airport/directions/airport-directions/terminal4/|title=Kuwait International Airport: Terminal 4|website=Directorate General of Civil Aviation - Kuwait|access-date=30 March 2025}}

Inaugurated in May 2018, Terminal 5 is exclusively used by Kuwait-based budget airline Jazeera Airways. Attached to Terminal 1 but with dedicated entrance/exit points, it also includes check-in zones, security checkpoints, lounges, shops, three departure gates, customs and arrival belts. It additionally offers 350 parking spaces in a multi-story facility attached to Terminal 5 by a bridge.

The following airlines offer scheduled passenger services:{{cite web|url=http://www.dgca.gov.kw/en/travellers/flights-information/flight-timetable|title=Flights Timetable {{!}} Travellers - Kuwait International Airport|date=2016-04-20|publisher=Schedules Section, Air Transport Department, DGCA|access-date=2016-04-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517094847/http://dgca.gov.kw/en/travellers/flights-information/flight-timetable|archive-date=2017-05-17|url-status=dead}}

{{Airport destination list

| Air Arabia | Abu Dhabi,{{cite web | url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/220907-3lnw22 | title=Air Arabia Abu Dhabi Schedules Beirut / Kuwait late-Oct 2022 Launch }} Alexandria, Assiut, Cairo,{{cite web |title=Air Arabia Egypt Adds Cairo – Kuwait City Service in 1Q25 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241022-e51q25kwi |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=23 October 2024}} Luxor, Sharjah, Sohag

| Air Cairo | Alexandria, Assiut, Cairo,{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230421-smme|title=AIR CAIRO NS23 MIDDLE EAST NETWORK ADDITIONS|website=aeroroutes.com|date=21 April 2023}} Sohag

| Air India | Mumbai

| Air India Express{{cite web|url=https://www.airindiaexpress.com/where-we-fly/airports|title=Our Network|work=Air India Express|access-date=12 April 2025}} | Chennai,{{cite web|url=https://flights.airindiaexpress.com/en/chennai-to-kuwait-city-flights?_gl=1*12famo2*_ga*MTg2ODE1OTQwOS4xNzA4MjczMDQ0*_ga_KJWBC0BP9P*MTcwODI3MzA0NC4xLjEuMTcwODI3MzA2OC4zNi4wLjA.*_ga_GMMG1HYTVG*MTcwODI3MzA0NS4xLjEuMTcwODI3MzA2OC4zNy4wLjA.&_ga=2.31894974.1420255352.1708273046-1868159409.1708273044|title= Air India Express Chennai and Kuwait City Schedule|website=Air India Express|access-date=19 February 2024}} Goa–Mopa (begins 3 May 2025),{{cite news|title=Air India Express May 2025 Goa Manohar International Service Additions|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250411-ixmay25gox|work=Aeroroutes|date=11 April 2025|access-date=12 April 2025|language=en}} Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangalore, Tiruchirappalli

| AJet | Istanbul–Sabiha Gökçen

| {{nowrap|Akasa Air}} | Mumbai{{cite news|title=Akasa Air to begin Mumbai-Kuwait City Route|url=https://www.akasaair.com/fly-with-akasa/flight-schedule|website=Akasa Air|access-date=27 July 2024}}

| Alexandria Airlines | Alexandria{{cite web|title=Egypt's Alexandria Airlines to restart scheduled operations|url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/114668-egypts-alexandria-airlines-to-restart-scheduled-operations|website=ch-aviation.com|date=15 April 2022}}

| {{nowrap|AlMasria Universal Airlines}} | Cairo

| Azerbaijan Airlines | Baku

| Biman Bangladesh Airlines | Dhaka{{cite news |title=Biman to resume flights to Medina, Kuwait and Kathmandu |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2021/09/29/biman-to-resume-flights-to-medina-kuwait-and-kathmandu |access-date=14 October 2021 |work=Dhaka Tribune |date=29 September 2021}}

| Cham Wings Airlines | Aleppo, Damascus| Egyptair | Alexandria, Cairo

| Emirates | Dubai–International

| Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa

| Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi

| flyadeal | Riyadh

| flydubai | Dubai–International

| flynas | Al Ula, Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh, Ta'if

| Gulf Air | Bahrain

| Himalaya Airlines | Kathmandu{{cite web |title=HIMALAYA AIRLINES RESUMES KUWAIT SERVICE IN AUGUST 2024|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240803-h9aug24kwi |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=3 August 2024}}

| IndiGo | Ahmedabad, Delhi,{{cite news|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|title=IndiGo Middle East Network expansion in Oct 2019|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/286107/indigo-middle-east-network-expansion-in-oct-2019/|work=Airlineroute|access-date=30 August 2019|date=30 August 2019}} Hyderabad, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mumbai

| Iran Air | Isfahan, Lar, Mashhad, Shiraz, Tehran–Imam Khomeini

| Iraqi Airways | Najaf

| Jazeera Airways | Abha,{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Jazeera adds Abha service from Jan 2020 |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/287743/jazeera-adds-abha-service-from-jan-2020/ |website=Routesonline |access-date=26 November 2019}} Abu Dhabi, Addis Ababa,{{cite web|url=https://www.aviationpros.com/airlines/press-release/21215229/jazeera-airways-jazeera-airways-launches-flights-to-addis-ababa-ethiopia|title=Jazeera Airways launches flights to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia|publisher=Aviation Pros|date=19 March 2021|accessdate=21 July 2024}} Ahmedabad,{{cite web |title=JAZEERA AIRWAYS RESUMES 2 INDIA ROUTES IN 4Q24|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240812-j94q24in|website=Aeroroutes |access-date=12 August 2024}} Alexandria, Al Jawf,{{cite web | url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/221129-j9dec22 | title=Jazeera Airways Network Expansion From late-Dec 2022 }} Almaty,{{cite web |title=Jazeera Airways Launches First Ever Route Between Kazakhstan and Kuwait |url=https://www.aviationpros.com/airlines/press-release/21248674/jazeera-airways-jazeera-airways-launches-first-ever-route-between-kazakhstan-and-kuwait |website=Aviation Pros |date=2 December 2021 |access-date=2 December 2021}} Amman–Queen Alia, Assiut, Bahrain, Baku, Bengaluru,{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/220920-j9nw22in |title=Jazeera Airways Expands India Network in NW22 — AeroRoutes |publisher=Aeroroutes.com |date= |access-date=2022-09-21}} Bishkek, Cairo, Chennai, Chittagong,{{cite news |title=Jazeera Airways to operate Kuwait-Ctg direct flights from 24 Jan |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/aviation/jazeera-airways-operate-kuwait-ctg-direct-flights-24-jan-355684?amp |access-date=30 January 2022 |work=The Business Standard |date=10 January 2022 |language=en}} Colombo–Bandaranaike,{{cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/295229/route-analysis-kuwait-colombo/|title=Route Analysis: Kuwait-Colombo|website=Routesonline}} Dammam, Delhi, Dhaka, Doha, Dubai–International, Dushanbe, Fergana,{{cite news |title=Jazeera Airways Adds Ferghana Service in 1Q24 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231215-j91q24feg |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=AeroRoutes |date=15 December 2023 |language=en-CA}} Gassim,{{cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/298465/jazeera-airways-expands-saudi-service/|title=Jazeera Airways Expands Saudi Service|website=Routesonline|date=8 August 2022}} Giza,{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230424-j9may23|title=JAZEERA AIRWAYS ADDS GIZA SPHINX / SHIRAZ SERVICE FROM MAY 2023|website=aeroroutes.com|date=24 April 2023}} Ha'il, Hyderabad, Islamabad,{{cite web | url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/221110-j9dec22isb | title=Jazeera Airways Plans Islamabad Addition in Dec 2022 }} Istanbul, Istanbul–Sabiha Gökçen, Jeddah, Karachi,{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Jazeera Airways adds new destinations in Nov 2019 |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/287303/jazeera-airways-adds-new-destinations-in-nov-2019/ |website=Routesonline |access-date=4 November 2019}} Kathmandu, Kochi, Lahore, Luxor, Mashhad, Medina, Moscow–Domodedovo, Mumbai, Muscat,{{cn|date=June 2024}} Najaf, Namangan,{{cite web | url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/220926-j9sep22nma | title=Jazeera Airways Schedules Namangan late-Sep 2022 Launch }} Osh, Riyadh, Samarqand, Shiraz, Siddharthanagar,{{cite web |title=Nepal's second international airport to start flights on May 16; Kuwait the first destination |url=https://english.onlinekhabar.com/new-international-airport-kuwait.html |publisher=Onlinekhabar |access-date=17 March 2022 |date=14 March 2022}} Sohag, Tbilisi, Tehran–Imam Khomeini,{{cite web|url=https://www.jazeeraairways.com/en-kw/destinations|title=Jazeera Airways Destinations|date=13 July 2023}} Thiruvananthapuram,{{cite web |title=JAZEERA AIRWAYS RESUMES 2 INDIA ROUTES IN 4Q24|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240812-j94q24in|website=Aeroroutes |access-date=12 August 2024}} Türkistan
Seasonal: Antalya,{{cite web|url=https://www.aviationpros.com/airlines/press-release/21228754/jazeera-airways-jazeera-airways-announces-flight-schedule-to-antalya-and-kyiv |title=Jazeera Airways Announces Flight Schedule to Antalya and Kyiv |publisher=Aviationpros.com |date=June 30, 2021 |access-date=2022-04-05}} Batumi (resumes {{date|2025-5-27}}),{{cite news |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Jazeera Airways NS25 Europe Service Increases |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250227-j9ns25eu |access-date=27 February 2025 |work=AeroRoutes |date=27 February 2025 |language=en-CA}} Beirut,{{cn|date=December 2024}} Bodrum,{{cn|date=December 2024}} Budapest (begins 5 June 2025),{{cite web|title=Jazeera Airways Adds Seasonal Budapest Service in NS25|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250124-j9ns25kwi}} Hurghada (begins 28 June 2025), Kraków,{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240509-j9jun24krk|title=Jazeera Airways Adds Krakow Seasonal Service From June 2024|publisher=AeroRoutes|date=9 May 2024|accessdate=10 May 2024}} Larnaca,{{cite web|url=https://travelbizmonitor.com/jazeera-airways-adds-larnaca-to-summer-network/ |title=Jazeera Airways Adds Larnaca To Summer Network }} Prague,{{cite web | url=https://ceetransport.com/jazeera-airways-to-start-prague-kuwait-route-577/ | title=Jazeera Airways to start Prague - Kuwait route | date=4 April 2022 }} Rize–Artvin (begins 4 June 2025),{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Jazeera Airways Adds Seasonal Kuwait – Rize Service in NS25 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250213-j9ns25rze |website=aeroroutes.com |publisher=Aeroroutes |access-date=13 February 2025 |date=13 February 2025}} Salalah,{{cite web | url=https://www.thearabianstories.com/2022/03/07/jazeera-airways-to-begin-operations-to-salalah/ | title=Jazeera Airways to begin operations to Salalah | date=7 March 2022 }} Sarajevo,{{cn|date=December 2024}} Sharm El Sheikh,{{cn|date=December 2024}} Sochi (begins {{date|2025-6-27}}),{{cite news |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Jazeera NS25 Seasonal Routes Addition |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250127-j9ns25 |access-date=27 January 2025 |work=AeroRoutes |issue=27 January 2025 |language=en-CA}} Ta'if,{{cn|date=December 2024}} Tashkent,{{cite web|url=https://centreforaviation.com/news/jazeera-airways-to-launch-kuwait-tashkent-service-in-jun-2021-1069737|title=News for Airlines, Airports and the Aviation Industry | CAPA|website=centreforaviation.com}} Tirana,{{cite web | url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230123-j9eu | title=Jazeera NS23 Europe Network Expansion }} Tivat,{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Jazeera Airways NS23 Network Additions – 14MAY23 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230515-j9ns23int |website=aeroroutes.com |publisher=Aeroroutes |access-date=13 February 2025 |date=14 May 2023}} Trabzon,{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Jazeera Airways adds Trabzon service from August 2020 |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/292840/jazeera-airways-adds-trabzon-service-from-august-2020/ |website=Routesonline |access-date=3 August 2020}} Vienna, Yerevan (resumes {{date|2025-6-24}}){{cite news |title=Jazeera Airways to launch flights between Yerevan and Kuwait in June |url=https://www.arka.am/en/news/society/jazeera-airways-to-launch-flights-between-yerevan-and-kuwait-in-june/ |access-date=25 February 2025 |work=arka.am |publisher=AMI Novosti-Armenia |date=24 February 2025 |language=en}}

| Jordan Aviation | Amman–Queen Alia

| Kam Air | Kabul{{cite web|title=Kam Air files Kabul – Kuwait schedule from Nov 2019|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/286269/kam-air-files-kabul-kuwait-schedule-from-nov-2019/|work=Airlineroute|access-date=10 September 2019}}

| Karun Airlines | Ahvaz

| Kish Air | Mashhad

| Kuwait Airways | Abu Dhabi, Ahmedabad, Amman–Queen Alia, Amsterdam,{{cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/295937/airline-in-focus-kuwait-airways-/|title=Airline in Focus: Kuwait Airways|website=Routesonline}} Athens,{{cite web | url=https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=3077926&language=en | title=Kuwait Airways to Athens, Mykonos June 14 }} Bahrain, Baku, Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi, Barcelona, Beirut, Bengaluru,{{cite web |title=Kuwait Airways Schedules Barcelona / Washington NW23 Launch |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230810-kunw23 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=10 August 2023}} Cairo, Casablanca,{{cite web |last1=Casey |first1=David |title=Manchester, Madrid and Moscow Among Kuwait Airways' Network Additions |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/29/breaking-news/297473/manchester-madrid-and-moscow-among-kuwait-airways-network-additions/ |website=Routesonline |access-date=1 February 2022}} Chennai, Dammam, Delhi, Dhaka, Doha, Dubai–International, Frankfurt, Geneva, Guangzhou,{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Kuwait Airways intends to add Guangzhou service from mid-August 2020 |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/292900/kuwait-airways-intends-to-add-guangzhou-service-from-mid-august-2020/ |website=Routesonline |access-date=5 August 2020}} Hyderabad,{{cite web|url=https://www.kuwaitairways.com/en|title=Flight Schedule|work=Kuwait Airways|access-date=21 September 2023}} Islamabad, Istanbul, Istanbul–Sabiha Gökçen, Jeddah, Kathmandu,{{cite web | url=https://www.zawya.com/en/world/middle-east/kuwait-airways-to-operate-8-new-flight-destinations-tcmlm2q4 | title=Kuwait Airways to operate 8 new flight destinations }} Kochi, Kuala Lumpur–International (resumes 1 June 2025),{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Kuwait Airways Moves Tentatively Moves Kuala Lumpur Resumption to late-2Q25 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250331-kuns25kul |website=aeroroutes.com |publisher=Aeroroutes |access-date=31 March 2025}} Lahore, London–Heathrow, Manchester, Manila, Mashhad, Medina, Milan–Malpensa,{{cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/279517/kuwait-airways-adds-milan-service-from-late-oct-2018/ |title=Kuwait Airways adds Milan service from late-Oct 2018 |publisher=Routesonline |access-date=2018-08-03}} Mumbai, Munich, Najaf, New York–JFK, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, Rome–Fiumicino, Riyadh, Shiraz, Sohag, Tbilisi,{{cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/277006/kuwait-airways-adds-new-destinations-in-s18/ |title=Kuwait Airways adds new destinations in S18 |publisher=Routesonline |access-date=2018-04-09}} Tehran–Imam Khomeini, Thiruvananthapuram
Seasonal: Antalya,{{cite web | url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230123-kugrtr | title=KUWAIT AIRWAYS NS23 GREECE / TURKEY NETWORK ADDITIONS }} Bodrum,{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Kuwait Airways adds seasonal Bodrum service in S19 |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/285295/kuwait-airways-adds-seasonal-bodrum-service-in-s19/ |website=Routesonline |access-date=9 July 2019}} Luxor (resumes 2 July 2025),{{cite web |title=Kuwait Airways to Resume Luxor Service in 2H25 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241230-kuns25lxr |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=31 December 2024}} Málaga,{{cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/278644/kuwait-airways-resumes-malaga-service-in-s18/ |title=Kuwait Airways resumes Malaga service in S18 |publisher=Routesonline |access-date=2018-08-03}} Muscat,{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/220920-kunw22 |title=Kuwait Airways NW22 Removed Routes Summary – 18SEP22 — AeroRoutes |publisher=Aeroroutes.com |date= |access-date=2022-09-21}} Salalah, Sarajevo,{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Kuwait Airways S20 Network additions as of 10FEB20 |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/289472/kuwait-airways-s20-network-additions-as-of-10feb20/ |website=Routesonline |access-date=11 February 2020}} Sharm El Sheikh, Trabzon, Vienna{{cn|date=March 2025}}

| Middle East Airlines | Beirut

| Nesma Airlines | Cairo{{cite web|url=https://www.aaco.org/media-center/news/aaco-members/nesma-airlines-commences-cairo-kuwait-service#arContent|title=Nesma Airlines commences Cairo-Kuwait service|website=aaco.org|date=21 July 2023}}

| Nile Air | Alexandria, Assiut, Cairo, Luxor, Sohag

| Oman Air | Muscat

|{{nowrap|Pakistan International Airlines}} | Lahore, Sialkot{{cite web|url=https://www.samaa.tv/news/2019/09/pia-resumes-flights-between-sialkot-and-kuwait/|title=PIA resumes flights between Sialkot and Kuwait | SAMAA|website=Samaa TV}}

| Pegasus Airlines | Istanbul–Sabiha Gökçen
Seasonal: Antalya,{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Pegasus expands Antalya network in S20 |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/289689/pegasus-expands-antalya-network-in-s20/ |website=Routesonline |access-date=19 February 2020}} Trabzon{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Pegasus adds Trabzon – Middle East links in S20 |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/290034/pegasus-adds-trabzon-middle-east-links-in-s20/ |website=Routesonline |access-date=3 March 2020}}

| Qatar Airways | Doha

| Royal Jordanian | Amman–Queen Alia

| SalamAir | Muscat, Salalah

| Saudia | Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh

| Sepehran Airlines | Mashhad

| SriLankan Airlines | Colombo–Bandaranaike

| SunExpress | Seasonal: Antalya,{{cn|date=December 2024}} Trabzon{{cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|title=SunExpress expands Middle East network in 1Q20|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/288366/sunexpress-expands-middle-east-network-in-1q20/|website=routesonline.com|date=25 December 2019}}

| Syrian Air | Damascus, Latakia

| Tailwind Airlines | Seasonal charter: Antalya{{cn|date=December 2024}}

| Tarco Aviation | Port Sudan{{cite web |title=TARCO Aviation Feb 2025 Port Sudan Network Additions |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250203-3tfeb25 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=3 February 2025}}

| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul
Seasonal: Antalya,{{cn|date=December 2024}} Bodrum,{{cn|date=December 2024}} Trabzon{{cn|date=December 2024}}

| Varesh Airlines | Mashhad

| Yemenia | Aden{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240702-iyjul24kwi|title=Yemenia Adds Aden - Kuwait City From July 2024|publisher=AeroRoutes|date=2 July 2024|accessdate=2 July 2024}}

}}

{{Airport destination list

| Cargolux[https://www.cargolux.com/network-offices/network-offices cargolux.com - Map] retrieved 8 December 2021 | Luxembourg

| Cargolux Italia[https://www.cargolux-italia.com/network-offices/map cargolux-italia.com - Map] retrieved 8 December 2021 | Milan–Malpensa

| DHL Aviation[https://aviationcargo.dhl.com/destinations-served aviationcargo.dhl.com - Destinations] retrieved 8 December 2021 | Bahrain

| Ethiopian Airlines Cargo[https://ethiopiancargo.azurewebsites.net/network/route-map ethiopiancargo.azurewebsites.net - Route Map] retrieved 8 December 2021 | Addis Ababa, Riyadh

| Qatar Airways Cargo[https://www.qrcargo.com/docs/Freight_Network_Map_W20-21.pdf qrcargo.com - Freight Network Map] retrieved 8 December 2021 | Doha

| Turkish Cargo[https://www.turkishcargo.com.tr/en/online-services/flight-schedule turkishcargo.com.tr - Flight schedule] retrieved 8 December 2021 | Istanbul

}}

{{Airport-Statistics|iata=KWI}}

• On 25 August 1973, a Douglas DC-6 belonging to Yemen Airlines was hijacked during a flight from Taiz to Asmara. After making a refueling stop in Djibouti, the aircraft was taken to Kuwait where the single hijacker surrendered.{{Cite web|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/330109|title=UI Douglas DC-6 , Saturday 25 August 1973|website=asn.flightsafety.org|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}
• On 17 December 1973, a terrorist attack on Rome's Fiumicino Airport ended with the hijacking of a Lufthansa Boeing 737-100 that was preparing to depart to Munich. The aircraft was taken to Kuwait where the hijackers surrendered one day later.{{Cite web|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/330015|title=UI Boeing 737-130 D-ABEY, Monday 17 December 1973|website=asn.flightsafety.org|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}
• On 5 June 1977, a Middle East Airlines Boeing 707 was hijacked during a flight from Beirut to Baghdad. The ordeal ended in Kuwait when the aircraft was stormed and the single hijacker was arrested.{{Cite web|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/329116|title=UI Boeing 707 , Sunday 5 June 1977|website=asn.flightsafety.org|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}
• On 24 July 1980, two hijackers demanding money surrendered after hijacking a Kuwait Airways Boeing 737-200 during a flight from Beirut.{{Cite web|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/asndb/328292|title=UI Boeing 737-269 9K-ACV, Thursday 24 July 1980|website=asn.flightsafety.org|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}
• On 12 December 1983, the airport was one of the targets of the 1983 Kuwait bombings.
• On 2 August 1990, British Airways Flight 149 carrying 349 passengers landed at Kuwait International Airport just four hours after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, leading to the capture of the passengers and crew. The Boeing 747-100 aircraft was looted by the Iraqis and destroyed. All passengers and crew were reported safe, but one flight attendant was raped and the passengers were taken to Iraq.{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/the-strange-flight-of-ba-149-why-did-no-one-prevent-a-british-airways-flight-into-kuwait-after-the-1537655.html |title = The strange flight of BA 149: Why did no one prevent a British Airways|website = Independent.co.uk|date = 1992-08-02}} A McDonnell Douglas DC-9 belonging to the Kuwait Air Force was also destroyed in the airport. During the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait many of the planes belonging to Kuwait Airways were stolen from the airport and stored in different locations in Iraq, some of the Airbus A310s notably were given Iraqi registrations, the aircraft were later destroyed by allied bombings in 1991.
• On 25 February 1991, a USMC McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II crash-landed after being hit by ground fire during the [[Kuwait Liberation War.{{Cite web|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/wiki.php?id=77534|title=Accident McDonnell Douglas AV-8B-10-MC Harrier II 163190, Monday 25 February 1991|website=asn.flightsafety.org|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}
• On 27 February 1991, the airport played host to a large tank battle between U.S. and Iraqi forces during the first Gulf War. It is known today as the Battle of Kuwait International Airport.M60 vs T-62 Cold War Combatants 1956-92 Nordeen&Isby P.73
• On 10 December 1999, three US military personnel died when a USAF Lockheed C-130 Hercules made a hard emergency landing at Kuwait International Airport after sustaining damage from landing short of the runway at nearby Jaber al-Ahmad Airbase.{{cite web|url=http://www.starairaviation.net/air_cargo.html|title=Star Air Aviation (Pvt) Ltd.|access-date=1 June 2015}}
• On 24 May 2018, a Police Air Wing Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin helicopter was destroyed in fire that broke out in a military hangar. Another similar helicopter was rescued before the fire reached it.{{Cite web|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/211427|title=Incident Eurocopter AS 365N3 Dauphin KMOI-03, Thursday 24 May 2018|website=asn.flightsafety.org|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}
• On 7 May 2019, a towing tractor driver was killed when a Kuwait Airways Boeing 777-300ER aircraft being towed rolled over the tractor after the tow-bar broke.{{Cite web|url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/224818|title=Incident Boeing 777-369ER 9K-AOH, Monday 6 May 2019|website=asn.flightsafety.org|accessdate=July 1, 2024}}

• List of the busiest airports in the Middle East
• List of airports with triple takeoff/landing capability

{{reflist|refs=

{{cite web |last1=Oakley |first1=T. |title=Instrument and Observing Methods – Report No. 56 |url=https://library.wmo.int/doc_num.php?explnum_id=9606 |publisher=World Meteorological Organization |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121152118/https://library.wmo.int/doc_num.php?explnum_id=9606 |archive-date=21 November 2021 |pages=8 |date=November 1993}}

}}

{{commons category-inline|Kuwait International Airport}}

• [https://kuwaitairport.gov.kw Kuwait International Airport (official site)] {{in lang|en}}
• {{ASN|KWI}}
• {{SkyVector|OKBK}}
• {{NWS-current|OKBK}}

{{Portalbar|Kuwait|Aviation}}

{{authority control}}

{{Airports the Middle East}}

Category:Airports established in 1962

Category:Airports in Kuwait

Category:Buildings and structures in Kuwait City

Category:1962 establishments in Kuwait