Kuwait Airport Hits New Low, Worst Performance in the Gulf
According to informed sources, the airport recorded just 7.4 million passengers in the first half of 2025 (a 3% drop from the same period last year), making it the only Gulf airport to witness a decline in traffic. This performance stands in stark contrast to regional counterparts, most of which have reported steady to record-breaking growth.
Gulf Soars, Kuwait Stalls
In Dubai, passenger numbers reached a historic high of 46 million, up by 2.3%, while Abu Dhabi Airport led regional growth with a 13% jump to 15.8 million. Even smaller airports like Bahrain and Muscat saw modest increases of 1.5% and 2%, respectively.
But Kuwait Airport — once a serious contender among regional aviation hubs — is now grappling with stagnation, infrastructural woes, and airline pullouts that experts say are undermining its role in Kuwait's Vision 2035, a national plan to transform the country into a financial and commercial powerhouse.
British Airways Exit Sends Alarming Signal
Industry insiders point to a string of high-profile airline withdrawals as a key factor in the airport's decline. In a major blow earlier this year, British Airways abruptly suspended its direct flights to Kuwait in March, following in the footsteps of Lufthansa and KLM, who exited for similar reasons.
Although British Airways had initially announced the suspension of flights to both Kuwait and Bahrain, swift action by Bahraini authorities led the airline to reverse its decision regarding Bahrain. Kuwait, however, failed to respond with the same urgency — and the route remains closed.
This lack of responsiveness, say sources, is indicative of a broader institutional sluggishness that has plagued Kuwait's aviation sector.
Red Tape, Infrastructure Woes and Missed Opportunities
Experts warn that the troubles run deeper than just airline exits.
National carriers have been restricted from expanding their operations in the past year, limiting Kuwait's ability to compete.
Slow decision-making has hampered efforts to attract airlines or renew operating contracts, leaving investors and aviation partners in the dark.
Outdated airport infrastructure continues to frustrate carriers, with some reporting aircraft damage from flying gravel, delays caused by overcrowded facilities, and jet fuel prices higher than at other Gulf airports.
Vision 2035 at Risk?
With Vision 2035 at stake — a bold plan to position Kuwait as a regional investment and transit hub — aviation experts are calling on the government to radically rethink its strategy. Sources say the airport is meant to serve as the 'gateway' to the country's development ambitions, but current performance is "wildly inconsistent" with those goals.
'There's too much reliance on a single authority — the General Authority of Civil Aviation,' said one source. 'Kuwait needs to broaden the conversation, include other credible entities, and urgently implement a practical, time-bound action plan to reverse this trend.'
A Call to Action
As the Gulf continues to surge ahead with modern aviation strategies, Kuwait risks being left behind unless urgent reforms are made. Industry insiders stress that time is running out to restore the airport's reputation and align it with the nation's ambitious development goals.
With the region's skies getting busier — and more competitive — Kuwait's ability to reclaim its place among the Gulf's elite airports will depend on decisive leadership, rapid reform, and a clear roadmap for recovery.
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Arab Times
2 days ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait Airport Hits New Low, Worst Performance in the Gulf
KUWAIT CITY, Aug 2: Kuwait International Airport has found itself at the very bottom of Gulf aviation rankings, marking a worrying decline in passenger traffic that contrasts sharply with surging growth at neighbouring hubs like Dubai, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi. According to informed sources, the airport recorded just 7.4 million passengers in the first half of 2025 (a 3% drop from the same period last year), making it the only Gulf airport to witness a decline in traffic. This performance stands in stark contrast to regional counterparts, most of which have reported steady to record-breaking growth. Gulf Soars, Kuwait Stalls In Dubai, passenger numbers reached a historic high of 46 million, up by 2.3%, while Abu Dhabi Airport led regional growth with a 13% jump to 15.8 million. Even smaller airports like Bahrain and Muscat saw modest increases of 1.5% and 2%, respectively. But Kuwait Airport — once a serious contender among regional aviation hubs — is now grappling with stagnation, infrastructural woes, and airline pullouts that experts say are undermining its role in Kuwait's Vision 2035, a national plan to transform the country into a financial and commercial powerhouse. British Airways Exit Sends Alarming Signal Industry insiders point to a string of high-profile airline withdrawals as a key factor in the airport's decline. In a major blow earlier this year, British Airways abruptly suspended its direct flights to Kuwait in March, following in the footsteps of Lufthansa and KLM, who exited for similar reasons. Although British Airways had initially announced the suspension of flights to both Kuwait and Bahrain, swift action by Bahraini authorities led the airline to reverse its decision regarding Bahrain. Kuwait, however, failed to respond with the same urgency — and the route remains closed. This lack of responsiveness, say sources, is indicative of a broader institutional sluggishness that has plagued Kuwait's aviation sector. Red Tape, Infrastructure Woes and Missed Opportunities Experts warn that the troubles run deeper than just airline exits. National carriers have been restricted from expanding their operations in the past year, limiting Kuwait's ability to compete. Slow decision-making has hampered efforts to attract airlines or renew operating contracts, leaving investors and aviation partners in the dark. Outdated airport infrastructure continues to frustrate carriers, with some reporting aircraft damage from flying gravel, delays caused by overcrowded facilities, and jet fuel prices higher than at other Gulf airports. Vision 2035 at Risk? With Vision 2035 at stake — a bold plan to position Kuwait as a regional investment and transit hub — aviation experts are calling on the government to radically rethink its strategy. Sources say the airport is meant to serve as the 'gateway' to the country's development ambitions, but current performance is "wildly inconsistent" with those goals. 'There's too much reliance on a single authority — the General Authority of Civil Aviation,' said one source. 'Kuwait needs to broaden the conversation, include other credible entities, and urgently implement a practical, time-bound action plan to reverse this trend.' A Call to Action As the Gulf continues to surge ahead with modern aviation strategies, Kuwait risks being left behind unless urgent reforms are made. Industry insiders stress that time is running out to restore the airport's reputation and align it with the nation's ambitious development goals. With the region's skies getting busier — and more competitive — Kuwait's ability to reclaim its place among the Gulf's elite airports will depend on decisive leadership, rapid reform, and a clear roadmap for recovery.
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5 days ago
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NBK hosts Generation Science students in partnership with KFAS
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6 days ago
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Kuwait is France's trusted ally in the region: Ambassador Gauvin
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These discussions aimed to promote French expertise and support Kuwait's economic transformation in the priority sectors of its Vision 2035 plan. At the conclusion of the visit, both Heads of State reaffirmed their shared commitment to encouraging investments from their respective government authorities and public institutions, such as BPI France and Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), in projects and funds that contribute to the development of their respective economies. This visit is a testament to the mutual trust and shared ambition of our two countries in the economic field. French companies operating in Kuwait bring recognized expertise in various sectors, including energy, environment, transport and hospitality. It also reflects the attractiveness of the Kuwaiti market and the esteem in which French know-how is held in Kuwait. Kuwaiti investments in France, for their part, are following an upward trend. 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With more than 40,000 participants, this summit was exceptional, announcing €109 billion in private investments in AI infrastructure in France, and €200 billion in public and private investments across Europe through the European Commission's Invest AI program. The success of this event underscores France's position as one of the world's leaders in innovation and AI. On this occasion, the President of the Republic laid the foundation stone for a new building at the Gustave Roussy Institute, scheduled to open in late 2027. This building will be dedicated to cancer research, integrating AI and data analysis approaches. On May 19, the Choose France Summit held at the Château de Versailles welcomed a Kuwaiti delegation led by the Director General of the Kuwait Investment Authority, Sheikh Saud Abdulaziz Al Sabah. This annual event is a key moment for France, highlighting the country's growing attractiveness. With 53 investment announcements totaling €40.8 billion and the expected creation of over 13,000 jobs, the 2025 edition broke all previous records. Since 2018, Choose France has generated nearly €88 billion in investments, confirming the sustained confidence of investors in the French economic model. In 2024, France remained, for the sixth consecutive year, the leading European destination for foreign investment. Finally, on June 17 and 18, 2025, around twenty high-level Kuwaiti economic stakeholders participated in the Gulf Vision Forum in Paris. Gathering over 1,200 guests, this event fosters dialogue on key areas of economic cooperation between France and the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Nearly 2,000 business meetings were organized, leading to the identification of several concrete projects, particularly in the fields of water management, waste treatment, low-carbon energy, and digital transition. Q: Which sectors do you currently identify as priorities for further developing economic exchanges and cross-investments? A: The priorities defined by the Kuwait Vision 2035 and France 2030 plans now provide a clear framework for expanding our economic partnership. Several major French companies are already present and fully engaged in this dynamic. Their actions reflect a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the exchange of expertise. In Kuwait, as the country works to become a commercial and logistical hub under the Vision 2035 plan, the potential for cross-investment is immense. France is ready and determined to support Kuwait's ambitions, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, sustainable cities, and artificial intelligence. By aligning their ambitious visions, France and Kuwait can unlock truly transformative economic opportunities. At the same time, I welcome the growing interest shown by Kuwaiti investors in our country. Investment opportunities are currently being developed in these strategic sectors, illustrating the reciprocal nature of our economic relationship. The healthcare sector is also a key pillar of our cooperation. Cross-investment initiatives are being explored to support the modernization of healthcare systems and to foster joint efforts in medical research. Q: The energy transition is a shared priority for France and Kuwait. How can France support Kuwait in its economic diversification strategy, particularly in the fields of energy, technology, and sustainable cities? A: The energy transition and economic diversification are goals that France and Kuwait fully share. Our two countries have every interest in joining forces to address the challenges of decarbonization, technological innovation, and sustainable development. A significant step was taken in April 2024, during the official visit to Kuwait by Jean-Noël Barrot, our Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. On this occasion, a declaration of intent was signed between France and Kuwait to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, with a particular focus on the development of renewable energy sources. This agreement reflects our mutual commitment to establishing a long-term collaboration in this field. This cooperation fully aligns with the priorities outlined in the Vision 2035 plan, which places the energy transition at the heart of Kuwait's economic diversification strategy. Q: The healthcare sector appears to be attracting growing and mutual interest between France and Kuwait. What forms might this cooperation take in the coming years? A: Healthcare is a central pillar of our bilateral cooperation. I am pleased that France remains a preferred destination for Kuwaiti patients, particularly in the field of oncology. This reflects the strong trust Kuwait places in our healthcare system and our world-class medical institutions. We have recently taken an important step forward in our medical cooperation with the signing of several memorandums of understanding between the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health and French medical institutions. I am thinking in particular of the agreement signed on Feb 20, 2025, with the Gustave Roussy Institute, a global leader in cancer research and treatment. More recently, following the visit of His Highness the Amir to Paris, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health signed five cooperation agreements with leading French medical institutions. The goal of these agreements is to enhance local healthcare services through telemedicine, specialized consultations, and ongoing training for healthcare professionals. Both Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening this cooperation by promoting the training of doctors and medical staff, the reception of patients in France, the improvement of hospital services, and the development of medical research. This dynamic is also supported by remarkable innovations. In July 2025, a remote surgery was successfully performed from Strasbourg by a Kuwaiti doctor on a patient located in Kuwait. This achievement highlights the ability of our two countries to combine medical excellence with technological innovation. France, a long-standing and trusted partner of Kuwait, is at the forefront of medical innovation. In 2025, we will host the 'Une seule santé' summit and the WHO Academy in Lyon. Q: Regarding cultural collaboration between our two countries, what role does the French Institute in Kuwait play in developing our bilateral relationship? Are there any new cultural or educational projects underway? A: The French Institute in Kuwait is at the heart of our cultural and educational relationship. It embodies France's intellectual, artistic, and linguistic presence in Kuwait and plays a central role in promoting French and Francophone culture. Every year, we organize numerous events there in partnership with our Kuwaiti counterparts. The Month of La Francophonie, which we celebrated last April, is a wonderful example. The high attendance at concerts, film screenings, debates, and literary evenings reflects the strong appeal of France and Francophone cultures in Kuwait. On Oct 2 and 3, 2024, we also organized two exceptional concerts by the Paris International Philharmonic Orchestra at the Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Centre (JACC), blending French and Kuwaiti repertoires. We are also working to strengthen ties between our civil societies, particularly through initiatives such as the Sorbonne Society, which aims to build networks of alumni, researchers, and professors between our two countries. Other projects are in development, notably in the fields of arts education, heritage, and scientific research. Since 2015, France has also been proud to host in Kuwait City the French Center for Research on the Arabian Peninsula (CEFREPA), our regional research hub. It plays a key role in our scientific cooperation. Notably, it coordinates two annual archaeological missions on Failaka Island, in partnership with the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL). The visit of His Highness the Amir to Paris on the occasion of France's National Day, July 14, 2024, gave new momentum to our cultural cooperation. On this occasion, a declaration of intent was signed by our Ministers of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of both Heads of State, to strengthen our partnership in this field. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to support and expand the reach of both the French Institute and CEFREPA. In the cultural field, our two countries will continue to prepare reciprocal visits and develop joint artistic projects, including the creation of a national orchestra based in Kuwait, as well as the implementation of training programs in museum studies, conservation, and cultural mediation. French museum expertise is thus available to help enhance Kuwait's heritage and improve public access to national and international collections, particularly at the Kuwait National Museum. Q: Is the teaching of French expanding in Kuwait? What initiatives are being undertaken to strengthen the presence of the French language and culture in the Kuwaiti educational system? A: The teaching of French is experiencing remarkable vitality in Kuwait. It was introduced into the school system as early as 1966 and is now the third most taught language in the country, after Arabic and English. I am pleased that nearly 1,400 teachers are transmitting it with talent and passion in both public and private school systems, which reflects the strong presence of our language in the Kuwaiti educational landscape. French is much more than a foreign language in Kuwait, it is a vehicle for dialogue, critical thinking, creativity, and the building of bridges between our two societies. The French Institute in Kuwait plays a key role in this dynamic. It promotes French language and culture in educational and academic contexts, working closely with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education. Each year, numerous events such as 'Francophone Diwaniyas', film screenings, and conferences bring together francophones and francophiles to engage and exchange ideas. France can also count on the valuable commitment of the Council for the Promotion of Francophonie, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, former Prime Minister of Kuwait and a passionate advocate for Francophonie. The unwavering support of other Francophone embassies and civil society also helps maintain a vibrant Francophone ecosystem, which is strengthened each year during the Month of La Francophonie. Francophonie celebrates cultural diversity and sharing through the French language, spoken by over 320 million people across five continents, including nearly 500,000 in Kuwait. Following the visit of His Highness the Amir to France, our Heads of State expressed their shared desire to strengthen the teaching of French in the Kuwaiti education system. The 2024 opening of a Bfi(French International Baccalaureate) section at the Lycée Français of Kuwait also reflects this ambitious vision. This bilingual French-English program of academic excellence will provide students with rigorous training, preparing them to join top universities worldwide. We are also continuing our efforts to enhance teacher training in French, expand student and academic mobility between our two countries, and update educational content in line with the aspirations of younger generations and the needs of the labor market. Q: Are there currently any scholarship programs or university cooperation initiatives between French and Kuwaiti institutions? A: University cooperation between France and Kuwait is advancing and part of a long-term vision. Many Kuwaiti students choose to pursue their university studies in France, particularly in fields of excellence such as engineering and medicine. In a globalized world where English is omnipresent, studying outside the Anglophone sphere provides a real comparative advantage and greater diversity. It also offers the opportunity to combine the benefits of multiple academic cultures and to develop a uniquely French sense of critical thinking. Today, our priority is to significantly increase the number of Kuwaitis studying in France. International academic experiences create lasting human bonds. When a Kuwaiti student discovers France, or when a French student experiences immersion in Kuwait, these encounters leave a deep and lasting impression. They foster a sincere connection to the host culture and help build bridges between our two countries. These exchanges represent a shared investment in the next generation and in their capacity to shape a common future for our nations. We therefore aim to reinforce this momentum by facilitating access to our top institutions such as Sciences Po, HEC, or CentraleSupélec. The development of English-language programs for non-French-speaking students is also a key strategy, enabling them to gradually learn French while continuing their academic studies. This ambition is supported by a scholarship program, in partnership with Campus France, and by promoting agreements between French and Kuwaiti institutions. During the visit of His Highness the Amir to France, our two countries expressed a joint intention to enhance student mobility, which could involve an increase in the number of Kuwaiti government scholarships directed toward France. Our shared goal is to attract more Kuwaiti students to fields of excellence and the future in France, particularly in innovative sectors such as artificial intelligence, technology, and ecological transition.
