Kuwait is an important country in the Middle East. Its main economy is oil exports and has the world's strongest currency. Most people visit Kuwait for Business purposes, but it has a lot to offer in terms of culture, traditions, modern infrastructure, and a reputation as one of the region's safest countries. Crime rates, particularly among foreign visitors, are incredibly low, making it a safe visit for both business and leisure travel.
The airport in Kuwait plays an important role in its connectivity to the rest of the world. Kuwait offers a well-structured air transport system, with its main international airport serving a large number of travellers. As many people are more interested in the less explored countries across the world, the influx of visitors to Kuwait has increased.
International Airports in Kuwait
- Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Kuwait City
Kuwait International Airport is the only civil airport in the country. It is situated 15.5 kilometres south of Kuwait City’s centre and serves as a key point in connecting the West to the East. The airport’s modern facilities and infrastructure accommodate millions of passengers annually. It was designed by Kenzo Tange, a Japanese architect who won the 1987 Pritzker Prize for architecture. He was one of the most significant architects of the 20th century and had buildings across five continents to his name.
- Address - Kuwait International Airport, Ghazali Rd, Kuwait
- ICAO Code - OKKK
- IATA Code - KWI
- Category - International
- Terminals - Kuwait International Airport has a total of 5 Terminals.
- Terminal 1 is operated by International Airlines.
- Terminal 2 is currently under construction, with operations planned in Q4 2026.
- Terminal 3 is used as a general aviation terminal primarily used for charter planes but is currently closed due to the construction of Terminal 2.
- Terminal 4 is operated by Kuwait’s national carrier, Kuwait Airways.
- Terminal 5 is operated by Jazeera Airways.
- Services and amenities - Wheelchair assistance, Airport Clinic, Airport Mall, Cafes and Restaurants, Duty-Free Shops, Banks, Maraheb Service, Lounge, Pharmacies, Currency Exchange, Valet Parking, and more.
Apart from the international airport in Kuwait, there are two more airports in the country. These are under military use and support military and national security operations.
Domestic Airports in Kuwait
- Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base (XIJ), Kuwait City
Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base, situated near Kuwait City, is the base of Kuwait’s Air Force. This air base has an area specially assigned to the US Air Force’s operations and its allied forces.
- Address - WQPV + 86, At Tawil, Kuwait
- ICAO Code - OKAJ
- IATA Code - XIJ
- Category - Military
- Terminals - N/A
- Services and amenities - Ahmad Al-Jaber Air Base provides military services.
- Ali Al Salem Air Base (KEZ), Kuwait City
Ali Al Salem Air Base, situated roughly 37 kilometres from the Iraqi border, is a military-based airport. This airfield, owned by the Government of Kuwait, hosted the Royal Air Force (RAF), the United States Air Force (USAF) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) during the Second Gulf War.
- Address - Kuwait
- ICAO Code - OKAS
- IATA Code - KEZ
- Category - Military
- Terminals - This airport has one terminal
- Services and Amenities - Ali Al Salem Air Base provides military services.
Conclusion
Kuwait’s airports play a key role in the country’s economic development and strategic purposes. While the international airport welcomes business travellers, tourists, and transit passengers connecting to other regions of the world, the military air bases ensure that the country is well-protected. The ongoing expansion and redevelopment of Terminal 2 show that Kuwait is focusing on enhancing its global connectivity and wants to accommodate future air travel growth. Kuwait’s location makes it an essential link between the East and West.
For travellers visiting Kuwait for business or leisure, securing travel insurance online can go a long way in ensuring carefree travel. Travel insurance covers several unplanned events that can ruin your trip, such as flight cancellation, lost luggage, or medical emergencies. With the benefit of securing single trip travel insurance online, travellers can find options according to their needs and requirements.
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