Kuwait’s Airport prepared to receive about 30,000 fans for “26th Gulf Cup”

Kuwait International Airport is geared to receive approximately 30,000 fans for the 26th edition of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Championship, hosted by the State of Kuwait.

This significant sporting event highlights the country’s extensive preparations and commitment to ensuring its success. The championship not only celebrates athletic excellence but also strengthens cultural and sporting ties among the participating nations.

The “Khaleeji Zain 26” Championship is scheduled to be held from December 21 to January 3, bringing together national teams from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Yemen, and the host nation, Kuwait.

This highly anticipated championship has garnered significant interest and support, with directives from the political leadership to “organize it in the most beautiful way” to meet aspirations and achievements that will further solidify Kuwait’s status as a leading sports destination regionally and internationally.

On this occasion, the Deputy Director General for Aviation Safety, Air Transport, and Civil Aviation Security, and Acting Spokesman for the Administration, Abdullah Al-Rajhi, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that full coordination is in place with airport authorities and the Gulf Cup Championship organizing committee, to facilitate the entry of fans from sister Gulf countries for the championship starting next Saturday.

Al-Rajhi stated that comprehensive plans are implemented to ensure smooth movement, provide necessary support to visitors, and facilitate all procedures, and added that these efforts include; sharing accurate information about airport facilities and services, as well as deploying specialized teams to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for all fans attending the events.

Importantly, Al-Rajhi stated that approximately 30,000 fans are expected to arrive at Kuwait International Airport on additional flights, excluding the regular scheduled flights during this time of the year.

Al-Rajhi added that around 75 flights are expected during the tournament, noting that additional flights are typically scheduled during the later stages, particularly the semi-finals and final rounds.

Moreover, Al-Rajhi explained that 75 flights will be operated by 9 carriers from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, as well as Iraq. He pointed out that organizational and logistical efforts at the airport have been intensified to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for all travelers arriving in the country.

Al-Rajhi emphasized that the capacity of the arrival halls has been increased to accommodate the expected influx of fans. The Civil Aviation Authority has also allocated work teams in the arrival halls to guide fans and provide necessary support, as well as to facilitate passport and customs procedures.

Additionally, Al-Rajhi stated that special reception areas have been prepared for large groups, with screens displaying instant information about flight schedules and means of transportation. He emphasized the Civil Aviation’s commitment to providing the best services to Kuwait’s guests during the tournament.

Al-Rajhi praised the efforts of the entities working at Kuwait International Airport, led by the Ministry of Interior, the General Administration of Customs, airlines, ground service providers, and the Organizing Committee of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup.

Considering the game’s popularity, thousands of fans from the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as Iraq and Yemen, are expected to attend the Gulf 26 sporting event, arriving by air and land ports to support their teams and enjoy the tournament’s accompanying segments and events. This tournament coincides with school holidays and New Year’s Day, adding to its significance.

Kuwait hosting the 26th Gulf Cup, significantly contributes to boosting tourism and the local economy, providing an opportunity to promote tourism and enhance entertainment during the tournament.

It is noteworthy that the first group includes; the host country Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, while the second group features; Iraq, the title holder, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Yemen.

Kuwait is hosting the tournament for the fifth time after the 1974, 1990, 2003, and 2017 editions. The country has won the tournament ten times, followed by Iraq with four titles, Saudi Arabia and Qatar with three each, Oman and the UAE with two each, and Bahrain with one title.