Latest news with #KuwaitAirport
Zawya
15-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kuwait Airport Terminal 2 project nears completion
KUWAIT CITY - The Ministry of Public Works has announced that the Kuwait Airport Terminal 2 (T2) project is nearing completion and will soon be handed over to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) for full operation. The ministry emphasized its commitment to fully governing its projects, highlighting that all supervisory roles within its contracts have been Kuwaitized in collaboration with the Public Authority for Manpower. Assistant Undersecretary for Planning and Development and official spokesperson for the Ministry and the General Authority for Roads and Land Transport, Ahmed Al-Saleh, told Al-Akhbar channel on Kuwait TV that the ministry has several ongoing and planned projects, with Terminal 2 among its flagship developments. Al-Saleh praised Minister Noura Al-Mishaan's leadership, noting her active involvement in monitoring the airport project's progress and resolving any challenges to ensure timely completion. "Overcoming obstacles is the biggest part of implementing any project," he said, adding that the high completion rates reflect the effectiveness of the minister's hands-on approach. The terminal is currently operational, with final handover preparations underway. The ministry has implemented numerous measures to sustain project momentum, including developing a geographic information system (GIS) in partnership with the Public Authority for Civil Information. This system tracks key details across 12 Ministry of Public Works projects and six General Authority for Roads and Land Transport initiatives, such as project supervisors, contracts, and contractors, accessible through a centralized platform. Al-Saleh also highlighted Minister Al-Mishaan's commitment to Kuwaitizing supervisory and engineering positions within the ministry. A Kuwaitization unit was established last year in cooperation with the Public Authority for Manpower, encouraging Kuwaiti engineers to apply for supervisory roles. Currently, all project supervisors appointed by both the ministry and contractors are Kuwaiti nationals. "The ministry has fully Kuwaitized government contracts and their governance," Al-Saleh stated. "This is a major achievement, with governance now firmly embedded within the civil service framework. We are advancing toward complete governance of all our operations." Arab Times | © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Leaving Kuwait? What expats need to know about the new exit permit rule
Kuwait begins enforcing mandatory electronic exit permits for private sector expats, with smooth departures reported on launch day/Representative Image Kuwait has officially begun enforcing a mandatory electronic travel permit system for private sector expatriates under Article 18 of the Foreigners' Residence Law. The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) launched the system on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, marking a new chapter in Kuwait's push for digital transformation and labour market regulation. Within hours of launch, more than 36,000 applications were submitted, indicating broad awareness and readiness from employers and workers alike. How the New Rule Works Under the new regulation: Expat workers must obtain an exit permit electronically, approved by their employer or sponsor. Workers must apply via the " Sahel Individuals " app. Employers must process approvals using the "As-hal Companies" portal. The PAM has made the system operational 24/7, including weekends, to ensure round-the-clock accessibility. Officials stated the rule aims to enhance transparency, protect worker rights, and streamline travel logistics in the private labour sector. First Day of Implementation at Kuwait Airport Despite the new mandate, Kuwait International Airport handled a high volume of summer travel departures smoothly. The first flight under the new rule departed for India via Air India at 12:45 am, followed by another outbound flight to the same destination. While the airport experienced heavy congestion, the new regulation did not restrict passenger flow, nor did it delay procedures significantly. Authorities including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Interior, and various airlines have implemented an integrated logistical plan to ensure seamless departures and reduce wait times. Airlines Issue Warnings on Compliance Airlines have begun issuing advisories to work visa holders, reminding them that: Failure to secure an employer-approved exit permit will result in cancellation of their flight reservation. No compensation or alternative bookings will be provided in such cases. Passengers are fully responsible for checking all documents including: Passport validity Visa status Approved exit permit Some airlines are requesting travellers to verify all documents before arriving at the airport to avoid complications and potential cancellations at check-in.
Mint
27-06-2025
- Mint
'Scariest flight ever': Indian woman recounts ordeal after being stuck in Kuwait amid Iran-Israel conflict
An Indian travel content creator found herself stranded in Kuwait with her infant daughter for over 36 hours amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, following a suspected missile strike in the region. Anindita Chatterjee, who was flying back to Mumbai from New York after a three-month stay in the United States, recounted the ordeal on Instagram, calling it the 'scariest experience' she has had on a flight. 'We flew 13 hours to Kuwait, had a short layover, and then boarded our connecting flight to Mumbai. But mid-air, things took a terrifying turn. Iran bombed Qatar, and we were flying through that very airspace. It was unreal and terrifying,' she wrote. Shortly after takeoff, the flight reportedly turned around and returned to Kuwait as regional airspace was shut down amid fears of conflict escalation. 'The entire airspace was shut down, and no flights were taking off,' she added. With her young daughter in tow, Ms Chatterjee was left stranded at Kuwait Airport for nearly 36 hours. 'While my family was relieved we were safe on the ground, the thought that we were in the sky when those missiles were being fired… I'm still shaken,' she said. Chatterjee, who has travelled to 99 countries, called it her worst flight experience to date. Her video documenting the ordeal has since gone viral, with users in the comments section offering prayers and expressing relief that both mother and child are safe. A user wrote, 'What a harrowing experience. Glad that you reached safely.' Another user commented, 'I can't imagine how that felt. So sorry to all the passengers. Glad you guys are safe.' The third user commented, 'Hope all is well now. Seriously what is happening around the world? We have a Europe trip planned in July but seriously not sure if we should continue with the plan or just cancel it. Too scared, too worried!" There has been no official confirmation of the reported attack on Qatar, though tensions in the region between Iran and Israel have led to increased security measures and restricted air travel in several zones.
Gulf Insider
23-05-2025
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Sentences Police Officers To 10 Years For Drug Smuggling
A Kuwaiti court has sentenced two policemen and a customs inspector to 10 years in prison each for attempting to smuggle drugs. The country's Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of the three, including a firefighting officer, on attempting to smuggle 1 million banned Lyrica pills at Kuwait Airport. The defendants had been arrested by the Kuwaiti anti-drug police after receiving information that they were smuggling the substance in seven suitcases, Al Qabas newspaper reported without specifying the date of the arrests. Several countries ban dealing in Lyrica pills because of potential abuse and addiction. In recent months, Kuwaiti authorities have announced foiling several bids to smuggle drugs into the country. Earlier this month, a shipment arriving at Kuwait's Shuwaikh Port was found out to have contained 110kg of hashish that had been secretly hidden inside marble slabs. Two suspects — a Syrian national and an illegal resident with Eritrean citizenship— were arrested in connection with the bid, the Kuwaiti Interior Ministry said. They attempted to smuggle the shipment in collaboration with a person outside Kuwait identified as a Gulf national. In addition to the drugs, 6,000 Captagon pills, 5 grams of the intoxicating shabu substance, and a digital scale used in preparing and distributing narcotics were found at one suspect' house. The origin country of the illicit cargo was not revealed.
Zawya
06-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
14 international airlines suspend Kuwait operations amid soaring costs
KUWAIT CITY - Unlike airports of Gulf countries that experienced record growth in passenger and cargo traffic in 2024, Kuwait International Airport witnessed a period of stagnation, which led several international airlines to discontinue their operations at Kuwait Airport, citing various reasons, primarily the economic unviability of continuing services, reports Al-Seyassah daily. In late March, British Airways ceased its daily flights to Kuwait, after more than 60 years of operation. Prior to that, in September, German airline Lufthansa and Dutch carrier KLM also stopped operating at Kuwait Airport, bringing the total number of international airlines that have discontinued services to 14. These airlines, however, continue to operate flights to other Gulf airports. Observers have pointed to several factors contributing to the decline in traffic and attractiveness at Kuwait International Airport compared to its Gulf counterparts, such as high jet fuel prices, intense competition from major Gulf airlines, and the airport's outdated infrastructure and services, which have negatively impacted its overall performance. According to passenger statistics for Gulf airports in 2023 and 2024, Kuwait International Airport saw a slight decline in passenger numbers, dropping to 15.4 million in 2024 from 15.6 million in 2023, a decrease of 1 percent. In contrast, Dubai Airport saw a 5.7 percent increase, rising from 87 million to 92.3 million passengers. Doha Airport experienced a 14.8 percent increase, from 45.9 million to 52.7 million passengers. Riyadh Airport recorded a 17.8 percent rise, from 31.9 million to 37.6 million passengers, while Abu Dhabi Airport saw the largest increase, up 25.3 percent from 22.9 million to 28.7 million passengers. Kuwait International Airport recorded 41,838 transit passengers in March 2025. In the same month, Jazeera Airways recorded a total of 72,397 transit passengers. The following airlines have suspended flights to Kuwait International Airport but continue to operate at Gulf airports: British Airways; Lufthansa; KLM Royal Dutch Airlines; Singapore Airlines; Thai Airways; Delta Airlines; United Airlines; Cathay Pacific; Cebu Pacific Air; Philippine Airlines; Air France; Swiss Air; Royal Brunei Airlines. arabtimes
