Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation warned travelers on May 12 against making reservations with airlines lacking permits to operate from Kuwait International Airport, where only Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways currently hold approvals, as part of efforts to protect passenger rights and regulate air traffic following recent regional events. Those who have already booked with unauthorized carriers are encouraged to submit complaints through the Sahel app, the authority said.
The Arab Times reported that the advisory was issued to prevent potential disruptions while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation coordinates a gradual return of additional carriers. According to subsequent DGCA announcements, select Gulf and international airlines including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Gulf Air and Oman Air are scheduled to resume limited services from Terminal 4 in June. The authority has indicated it will finalize schedules and operational details with interested operators to ensure compliance with safety standards.
DGCA figures show that passenger traffic at Kuwait International Airport reached 15.6 million in 2023, marking a significant rebound from earlier periods and highlighting the need for clear regulatory guidance. A PwC review of GCC aviation trends placed Kuwait among markets focused on infrastructure upgrades to accommodate rising demand after the COVID-19 slowdown. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation manages both regulatory oversight and airport operations, tasks that have grown more complex amid fluctuating regional conditions.
Recent airspace restrictions linked to broader Middle East tensions limited operations primarily to the two national carriers earlier in 2026, The National reported. Kuwait International Airport reopened to full international traffic on June 1, yet many foreign airlines had yet to resume services at that point. The May 12 warning therefore served to align passenger expectations with the pace of authorized recoveries.
The Sahel application functions as a centralized digital platform for lodging aviation-related grievances, allowing authorities to review cases and pursue enforcement where violations occur. Directorate General of Civil Aviation instructions direct complainants to provide booking details and supporting evidence through the app for faster processing. This approach has reduced reliance on physical counters across government services, according to ministry statements on digital transformation.
Globally, air passenger numbers recovered to 4.4 billion in 2023, International Civil Aviation Organization data indicates, with regional hubs like Kuwait positioned to capture growing transit and business traffic. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has pursued modernization initiatives, including enhanced terminal facilities and navigation systems, to align with these trends. Its website lists ongoing statistics and regulatory updates to inform both operators and the traveling public.
In parallel with the booking advisory, the authority continues to monitor permit applications from additional carriers seeking to resume routes from Kuwait. Directorate General of Civil Aviation records from prior years show steady expansion in flight frequencies once regulatory clearances are secured. Passengers are advised to consult official DGCA channels or the airport website for the latest list of approved operators before finalizing travel plans.
