Kuwait prioritizes enhancing international competitiveness of Kuwait airport
The Public Authority for Civil Aviation said enhancing Kuwait International Airport’s competitiveness at both the regional and international levels is a top priority.
In an interview with the Kuwait News Agency, the PACA acting Director-General, Duaij Al-Otaibi, explained that Kuwait is moving forward with major civil aviation projects, led by the construction of the new passenger terminal (T2), which will accommodate over 25 million passengers annually.
The development plan also includes a new runway, specialized buildings, a modern control tower, upgraded navigation systems, and improved ground services.
Al-Otaibi stressed that these strategic projects are aligned with the ‘New Kuwait 2035 Vision’, aimed at transforming Kuwait into a regional financial and commercial hub, saying the aviation sector plays a vital role in supporting trade, tourism, and investment.
The plans also focus on expanding airport buildings, services, and capacity to meet the expected growth in passenger numbers.
In 2024, he added, the Kuwait International Airport recorded 15.38 million passengers, a 50 percent increase compared to 2014. Over the recent summer season alone, passenger traffic reached 4.5 million, up 5 percent from last year.
Looking ahead, air traffic is projected to exceed 20 million passengers annually by 2027 with the opening of new facilities. Efforts are also underway to modernize technical and digital systems, including smart travel procedures and advanced electronic gates, as well as continuous training for national cadres to ensure operational sustainability.
“These development projects will strengthen Kuwait International Airport’s position as a major regional hub for air transport, while improving services and providing a safer and more comfortable travel environment,” Al-Otaibi said.
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