Jazeera Airways launches ‘Operation Barakah’ to keep Kuwait connected amid regional crisis

The Times Kuwait Report

Jazeera Airways has launched a major emergency initiative, “Operation Barakah,” to maintain Kuwait’s connectivity with the world amid a regional crisis that has severely disrupted aviation across the Gulf and led to the temporary suspension of flights at Kuwait International Airport.

Speaking during a meeting with employees at the airline’s headquarters in Kuwait, CEO Barathan Pasupathi described the current situation as unprecedented for the aviation sector.

He said the airline is operating in extraordinary circumstances due to regional developments that have heavily impacted air travel across the region and beyond.

Despite the disruption, the airline moved quickly to establish an alternative operational solution to ensure the continuity of travel to and from Kuwait.

Pasupathi noted that the carrier is currently the only airline maintaining operational connectivity linked to Kuwait, placing a significant responsibility on the company during the crisis.

“As a Kuwaiti airline, our role is clear at this stage,” he said. “We will continue to serve Kuwait to the best of our ability, bringing back Kuwaitis and residents stranded abroad while enabling travelers with urgent or essential needs to continue their journeys.”

To sustain these efforts, the airline launched Operation Barakah, a large-scale operational plan enabling flights to operate through Al Qaisumah Airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The initiative was made possible through close cooperation with authorities in both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

The operation required a significant logistical mobilization, including the redeployment of more than 300 employees, nearly 10 aircraft, and the transport of equipment, supplies, and spare parts by road to support the airline’s temporary base of operations.

Pasupathi said the scale of the operation highlights the resilience and dedication of the airline’s workforce, noting that their efforts are helping maintain Kuwait’s link with global destinations during a difficult period.

For his part, Chief Government Affairs Officer Nasser Al-Obaid said the continuation of operations was the result of rapid coordination with authorities in both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

He added that Saudi officials responded quickly to facilitate the airline’s temporary operations through Al Qaisumah Airport.

Al-Obaid stressed that maintaining flights under these circumstances reflects both a national and humanitarian responsibility, helping citizens and residents return home while ensuring the continuity of travel during the crisis.

The airline also acknowledged the support of several Kuwaiti government institutions, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which helped coordinate the arrangements necessary to facilitate passenger travel.

Pasupathi emphasized that for more than two decades the Kuwaiti community has supported the airline’s growth, adding that the company now sees it as its duty to give back by helping maintain the country’s global connectivity.

Jazeera Airways said it will continue expanding Operation Barakah in the coming weeks, while preparing for the full resumption of normal services from Kuwait once conditions allow.

The airline also reaffirmed that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority as it continues to coordinate closely with relevant authorities to ensure safe and organized operations.