Kuwait Airport Terminal 1 Reopens After Months of Disruption
Kuwait International Airport’s Terminal 1 has officially resumed operations as of 1 June, allowing international airlines to restart flights to and from Kuwait after a prolonged period of disruption.
Etihad Airways became the first international airline to operate from the reopened terminal, flying from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi on Monday morning. This marks the gradual return of international connectivity following months of suspended services.
Flight operations had been heavily impacted earlier in the year due to regional security tensions, which led to a temporary shutdown lasting nearly two months. The reopening comes even as reports of ongoing drone and missile activity were recorded on the same day, with some flights diverted or placed in holding patterns over nearby airspace.
Kuwait-based carriers, including Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways, had already resumed partial operations since late April, mainly operating from Terminals 4 and 5. Authorities continue to restore routes and frequencies step by step, prioritizing safety and stability.
The closure, which began at the end of February, affected over 200,000 passengers during a peak travel period, forcing many travelers to reroute through major regional hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh. Kuwait’s airspace itself reopened in late April, with passenger flights gradually returning afterward.
With Terminal 1 now operational again, the country is working toward restoring full air traffic capacity ahead of the busy summer travel season. Aviation officials emphasize that recovery will be gradual, with ongoing security measures and potential schedule adjustments.
Passengers are advised to confirm flight details with airlines before traveling and to arrive at least three hours early due to enhanced security checks and possible delays.
Posted Jun 2, 2026, 12:59 PM UTC