Kuwait airport handles nearly 174,000 passengers over New Year holiday
Over 1,000 flights in three days; Dubai, Cairo and Istanbul top New Year travel from Kuwait as passenger numbers surge
Kuwait International Airport recorded strong passenger traffic during the New Year holiday, with a total of 173,982 travelers arriving and departing between January 1 and 3, 2026, according to Abdullah Al-Rajhi, Acting Deputy Director General for Aviation Safety, Air Transport and Civil Aviation Security.
Al-Rajhi said the airport handled 1,082 aircraft movements over the three-day period — 540 outbound flights and 542 incoming flights, reflecting the high demand for regional and international travel during the holiday season.
He detailed passenger distribution across the airport’s terminals, noting that Terminal 1 handled 72,427 passengers, Terminal 4 recorded 54,330 passengers, while Terminal 5 served 47,225 passengers, reports Al-Jarida daily.
Al-Rajhi added that the most popular destinations for travelers during the New Year holiday were Dubai, Cairo, Jeddah, Doha and Istanbul, underscoring the continued appeal of regional hubs and major Arab and international cities.
The figures highlight the steady recovery and growth in air travel through Kuwait International Airport, particularly during peak holiday periods.
