Kuwait Announces Reopening of Its Airspace to Air Traffic

Reopening of Kuwaiti Airspace

The State of Kuwait has announced the reopening of its airspace to air traffic starting from yesterday, Thursday, April 23, 2026, as part of a planned strategy to gradually resume air travel after a closure that lasted since February 28, 2026, due to security conditions in the region.

The Chairman of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Hamoud Al-Sabah, confirmed that this decision comes in coordination with local and international relevant authorities, aiming to ensure the return of operations according to the highest safety and security standards at Kuwait International Airport.

Gradual Plan to Resume Operations at Kuwait International Airport

The General Directorate of Civil Aviation clarified that the reopening of the airspace is part of a phased plan aimed at gradually resuming air traffic until full airport operations are achieved.

The Chairman indicated that this step represents part of a well-considered procedure to ensure the stability of civil aviation operations and the safe and organized return of flights.

Kuwaiti Airspace Closed Since February Due to Security Conditions

The General Directorate of Civil Aviation had announced on February 28, 2026, the temporary closure of Kuwaiti airspace to aircraft and travelers.

This decision came as a result of the political and security situations that the region has witnessed, as a precautionary measure aimed at protecting the safety and security of passengers and airlines, in addition to maintaining the safety of operational activities at Kuwait International Airport.

Kuwaiti Official Protest to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

Last month, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation in Kuwait submitted an official protest letter to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), regarding what it described as serious violations and Iranian assaults on the sovereignty of the state and its airspace and facilities at Kuwait International Airport.

The authority confirmed that these assaults constitute a blatant violation of the international conventions and agreements governing civil aviation, noting that they exposed the safety of passengers, airlines, and airport workers to significant risks, in addition to threatening vital airport facilities.

Material Losses and Disruptions in Air Traffic

The authority clarified that these events led to widespread disruption in air traffic, necessitating the suspension of all flights during the closure period.

This also caused significant material losses to the civil aviation sector, along with recorded human injuries, and exposed the security and safety of passengers and facilities to direct risks.

Official Confirmation of the Highest Safety Standards in Resuming Flights

The General Directorate of Civil Aviation confirmed that the reopening of Kuwaiti airspace will be conducted according to strict procedures that ensure the highest levels of safety and security.

It emphasized that coordination is ongoing with the relevant international authorities to ensure a safe and organized return of air traffic at Kuwait International Airport, in accordance with international civil aviation standards.