KIA on high alert amid Hajj returns, Eid travel, and summer rush
To ease congestion, passengers are urged to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departure
The three terminals — T1, T4, and T5 – at the Kuwait International Airport’s are currently operating under heightened alert as they face an extraordinary rush of travel activity.
According to Al-Rai daily, the overlap of three major events — Hajj pilgrims returning, the start of the Eid Al-Adha holiday, and the peak summer travel season — has put intense pressure on airport operations and passenger services.
Mansour Al-Hashemi, Director of Operations at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), confirmed the implementation of a comprehensive operational plan to manage the surge in travel.
“We have completed the departure of the Guests of God to the Holy Land, and now we are preparing to handle departures for Eid Al-Adha and the summer vacation,” he said.
The plan, he explained, aligns with strict quality standards and operational procedures to ensure efficiency and safety.
Al-Hashemi emphasized that all airport entities, including DGCA staff, operations teams, the Ministry of Interior, customs, and ground services, are working together in close coordination.
“Our employees are operating at a high pace across all terminals to facilitate smooth passenger movement and resolve any issues immediately,” he added.
The DGCA has increased the number of staffs across all shifts and is actively coordinating with airlines and ground service providers to streamline processes from check-in to boarding. The goal is to minimize wait times and ensure a smooth experience for both departing and arriving travelers.
To ease congestion, Al-Hashemi urged passengers to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departure. He noted that several airlines now offer early bag drop and boarding pass issuance—services that can be availed before the day of departure—allowing travelers to proceed directly to immigration upon arrival at the airport.
He concluded by affirming that the DGCA’s Operations Department has deployed additional staff throughout the airport to assist passengers, receive feedback, and provide logistical support. “We are doing everything possible to ensure a seamless travel experience for all passengers during this exceptionally busy season,” he said.
