The Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced Monday the resumption of limited Gulf, Arab and foreign airline operations at Terminal 4 of Kuwait International Airport. The move, detailed in a statement carried by the Kuwait News Agency, responds to traveler needs and aims to expand options for citizens and residents following recent temporary restrictions. Passengers should verify flight information directly with carriers before heading to the airport.
The authority described the initiative as reflecting a “national responsibility” to support passengers and ensure regular operations across the aviation system, according to the statement. Coordination with airlines seeking to utilize the terminal will focus on finalizing schedules and all related operational aspects. The DGCA added that it is partnering with relevant bodies to guarantee safety, security and efficiency at every stage of the resumption. Officials have stressed the importance of this step in providing more travel flexibility amid ongoing regional dynamics.
Terminal 4 opened in 2018 with an annual capacity of 4.5 million passengers, according to figures from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and project developer AECOM. The facility was constructed to alleviate congestion at the main terminal and features advanced infrastructure including multiple gates for aircraft. It was anticipated to create around 2,000 local jobs and generate approximately $60 million in annual revenue at full operation. The terminal has primarily served Kuwait Airways in recent years but is now being adapted for broader though limited use.
Kuwait International Airport recorded 3.56 million passengers in 2021, a Directorate General of Civil Aviation report showed, with departing travelers numbering over 2.1 million that year. The numbers reflect a gradual recovery from pandemic lows, though the airport has handled significantly higher volumes in other periods with more than 13 million passengers recorded in 2016. Expanding access to Terminal 4 is seen as a way to better distribute traffic as demand increases. The authority continues to monitor passenger flows to optimize resource allocation.
This resumption follows recent temporary suspensions of certain flight activities due to regional security assessments, as outlined in prior DGCA communications from earlier in June 2026. The phased approach allows for controlled reintroduction of services while comprehensive safety evaluations are maintained across all operations. Airlines operating from the terminal will adhere to established protocols to safeguard all travelers. Such measures have become standard in response to fluctuating conditions in the wider area.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation operates the airport as a 3-star rated facility under Skytrax evaluations, which have noted both improvements from the addition of Terminal 4 and persistent challenges with congestion and processing times. Integration of additional carriers at Terminal 4 could help address some of these issues by spreading operations more evenly. Close collaboration with all stakeholders remains a priority for the authority as it implements the limited schedule.
