Published on
March 13, 2026
Image generated with Ai
Travellers planning trips to Kuwait or transiting through the Gulf aviation hub are facing significant disruptions after Kuwait Airways suspended all flights indefinitely following damage to Kuwait International Airport.
The suspension comes after drone strikes caused structural damage to key infrastructure at Kuwait International Airport (KWI), including Terminal 1, sections of the runway, and fuel depot facilities.
The airport closure has affected tourism arrivals, outbound travelers, and transit passengers who typically pass through Kuwait City when traveling across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
Airport Closure Affecting Tourism and Travel
Kuwait International Airport is the primary aviation gateway for travelers entering Kuwait.
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Visitors arriving to explore Kuwait City, the waterfront districts of Salmiya, the cultural landmarks of Failaka Island, and the historic markets of Souq Al-Mubarakiya typically pass through the airport’s main terminal.
Following the infrastructure damage, the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) suspended commercial flight operations until repairs and safety inspections are completed.
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Airport authorities confirmed that the closure is linked to physical damage at the airport rather than only airspace restrictions.
Repairs to runways, terminal infrastructure, and airport fuel facilities are expected to take several weeks, according to aviation officials monitoring the situation.
Commercial flights will resume only after engineering repairs, operational safety checks, and clearance of Kuwait’s airspace conditions.
Flights Cancelled and Passengers Stranded
The suspension of Kuwait Airways operations immediately affected travelers scheduled to fly through Kuwait International Airport.
Within the first day of the disruption, 62 flights were cancelled, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
Some travelers were evacuated from areas of the terminal that were impacted by the damage.
Passengers scheduled to depart or arrive in Kuwait during the disruption are now required to monitor airline communications for updates regarding refunds and future travel arrangements.
The cancellation has affected both international travelers planning visits to Kuwait and residents returning to the country from overseas destinations.
Refund Process for Cancelled Kuwait Airways Flights
Travelers with confirmed bookings on Kuwait Airways flights can request refunds through the airline’s official booking management system.
Passengers who booked tickets directly with the airline can access the Manage Booking section on the Kuwait Airways website and submit a refund request using their booking reference number (PNR) and last name.
Airline officials confirmed that both refundable and non-refundable tickets qualify for full refunds because the flight cancellations were initiated by the airline due to airport infrastructure damage.
Due to high demand and increased passenger inquiries, the airline’s online systems may experience delays while processing refund requests.
Passengers who are unable to submit refund requests online may contact the airline through additional communication channels.
These include the Kuwait Airways call center and digital messaging services.
Travelers can also reach customer support through WhatsApp at +965 1802050, providing booking details and passenger information.
Rebooking Options Currently Unavailable
While airlines often offer rebooking options during disruptions, the current situation at Kuwait International Airport has limited such possibilities.
Because the airport remains closed and airspace conditions remain restricted, rebooking flights to later dates is not currently available.
Aviation authorities have stated that operations will only resume after repair work, runway inspections, and safety clearances are completed.
Airspace activity in the region continues to be monitored due to ongoing air defense operations.
For this reason, airlines are focusing on refunds and passenger assistance rather than alternative travel arrangements at this time.
Support for Stranded Passengers
Passengers currently outside Kuwait whose flights were cancelled will need to adjust travel plans until the airport reopens.
Kuwaiti nationals abroad may receive assistance through government and airline coordination programs designed to help citizens affected by the disruption.
Travelers who are already inside Kuwait and planned to depart through Kuwait International Airport have been advised to follow official instructions issued by aviation authorities and government agencies.
Guidance may include temporary accommodation arrangements and updated travel procedures once flight operations resume.
Impact on Regional Travel Routes
Kuwait International Airport plays a key role in connecting travelers across the Gulf region.
The airport links Kuwait City to major travel hubs including Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, Istanbul, London, Mumbai, and Singapore.
The suspension of Kuwait Airways flights therefore affects regional tourism flows, airline connectivity, and transit travel routes.
Many travelers combine visits to Kuwait with broader Middle East itineraries that include neighboring Gulf destinations.
Tour operators and travel agencies are now adjusting itineraries for visitors who planned to include Kuwait as part of multi-country trips across the region.
Monitoring Official Travel Updates
Travelers planning future trips to Kuwait are encouraged to follow updates from official aviation authorities and the airline.
Information regarding airport repairs, airspace status, and flight resumptions will be announced by Kuwait Airways and the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation.
Passengers with existing bookings are advised to begin the refund process early and monitor airline communications regarding operational developments.
Planning Travel After Airport Reopens
Once repair work is completed and aviation safety inspections are finalized, Kuwait International Airport will gradually restore commercial operations.
Airlines are expected to review schedules and passenger demand before resuming normal flight services.
For travelers interested in visiting Kuwait’s cultural sites, coastal attractions, and modern city districts, planning future trips will depend on the timeline for airport reopening and regional aviation conditions.
Until operations resume, passengers scheduled to travel through Kuwait City will continue to rely on airline updates and official travel advisories as the situation evolves.
