The baggage handling company responsible for passenger luggage transportation at the T4 terminal, the building for all flights operated by Kuwait Airways, has lapsed without renewal or extension. This coincides with the expiration of the operator’s contract for the same terminal.
According to information obtained from reliable sources at the Kuwait International Airport, the Al-Qabas daily indicated that following the contract’s expiration, there has been a shortage of labor in the T4 terminal, consequently affecting passenger services to a limited extent.
However, the airport’s operational agencies have swiftly executed an emergency plan by mobilizing approximately 100 additional workers to manage baggage transportation. These workers have been stationed at the baggage belts to assist travelers upon their arrival.
Furthermore, there has been coordination established with one of the handling companies at the T1 terminal, the main terminal at Kuwait International Airport. This collaboration has resulted in the deployment of extra personnel to the T4 terminal, effectively compensating for the labor shortage until a new contract is signed.
The sources have affirmed that the termination of the contract did not lead to a crisis, as the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation administration promptly addressed the labor deficiency. The administration proactively collaborated with an operational company to fulfill the airport’s luggage transportation requirements.
It has come to light that the current civil aviation management has been taken aback by several contracts that have remained unresolved regarding renewal or extension for a minimum of one year. This predicament has given rise to challenges in various contracts, particularly the operator’s contract for the T4 terminal, along with employment agreements.
These sources have confirmed that the civil aviation authorities are currently engaged in correspondence with regulatory bodies to secure extensions and renewals for multiple contracts. The most prominent among these is the contract for the operator of the T4 terminal. While the Ministry of Finance’s approval for an extension has been obtained, responses from other supervisory authorities are still pending.
Furthermore, with the peak of the summer vacation season in August, the Kuwait International Airport is witnessing heightened travel activity, with workers operating at full capacity to facilitate seamless procedures for travelers. As the airport handles tens of thousands of passengers daily, the DGCA and other relevant bodies have elevated their state of readiness. They have implemented various measures, including augmenting the number of standby staff and emphasizing the need for efficient completion of ground services.
Insiders have informed Al-Qabas that an estimated 1.5 million passengers are anticipated to pass through the airport this month. Among these, there will be approximately 755 thousand departures and 723 thousand arrivals. This reflects a consistent growth in passenger traffic compared to the previous year, with a notable 16% increase witnessed last month.
These sources have also disclosed that travel destinations in proximity to Kuwait have been the most sought after. Notably, Dubai, Istanbul, and Doha have emerged as the favored travel destinations during this season.
Addressing the intermittent congestion observed at the airport, the sources have clarified that congestion is confined to specific time periods, particularly in the evenings when larger aircraft carrying around 300 passengers or more embark, primarily on flights to and from Asian countries.
Additionally, some individuals utilize the evening hours to complete tasks, especially in sectors like banking, telecommunications and other agencies. The increase in staff numbers and the establishment of round-the-clock work teams within the airport corridors have contributed to maintaining a steady flow.
The sources have emphasized that the airport’s operational systems are well-prepared to handle the influx of travelers. They have executed a comprehensive operational plan and assembled teams to oversee various passenger terminals. The authorities have demonstrated their commitment to enhancing the overall performance of operational and support sectors, with a focus on elevating services provided to passengers.
It has been stated that accommodating the surge in passengers at Kuwait International Airport is contingent on enhancing work efficiency. The summer travel season is anticipated to persist until the end of October. However, as the next month commences, a significant number of passengers are expected to return due to the impending start of the school year. This includes the return of educators, university students, and other relevant parties.
The most important measures to facilitate movement
• Increasing the number of employees on duty at the airport
• Providing ground services at the required speed
• Improving the performance of the operational and support sectors
• Developing and improving services provided to passengers
• Work teams keep up with their work around the clock