Kuwait Travel is Back as Emirates, Air Arabia, flydubai and More Airlines Relaunch Flights after Weeks of Airport Chaos: New Update You Need to Know

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As international aviation gradually regains momentum in the Gulf, Kuwait International Airport, foreign airlines, Terminal 4, and Kuwait flights have returned to the spotlight following the phased resumption of overseas air services. After weeks of operational disruption caused by damage to airport infrastructure, international carriers have begun restoring connections, offering renewed confidence to travellers heading to and from Kuwait.

The latest operational updates confirm that Emirates, flydubai, Air Arabia, Oman Air, and several other international airlines have resumed or are preparing to resume services from Terminal 4 at Kuwait International Airport. Although passenger operations have restarted for many carriers, airport authorities have maintained that Terminal 1 remains closed while repair work continues following the airport strike earlier in June 2026.

Why Did Foreign Airlines Suspend Flights to Kuwait?

International operations at Kuwait International Airport were significantly affected after an airport strike on 3 June 2026 caused damage to Terminal 1, the airport’s primary international passenger terminal.

Following the incident, only Kuwait-based airlines continued operating for approximately two weeks while engineers assessed the condition of the damaged facilities. During this period, international carriers temporarily suspended regular services as safety inspections and recovery planning were carried out.

After detailed technical evaluations were completed and airport safety measures were implemented, the country’s civil aviation authority authorised the gradual return of foreign airlines beginning on 18 June 2026.

The reopening has marked an important step towards restoring Kuwait’s international aviation network while permanent repair work continues.

Which Airlines Have Already Resumed Operations?

The phased recovery has seen several major international airlines return to Kuwait.

Leading the first wave of resumed services have been Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia, all of which restarted flights on 18 June 2026 using Terminal 4 instead of their usual operating terminal.

Oman Air also confirmed that scheduled Kuwait services would resume from 25 June 2026, likewise operating temporarily from Terminal 4 until Terminal 1 becomes available again.

Additional international airlines are expected to return gradually as airport capacity expands during the ongoing recovery programme.

Passengers travelling with Qatar Airways, Saudia, Etihad and Gulf Air have been advised that services are being introduced in stages, with exact operating dates varying by airline.

Similarly, Air India, IndiGo, Turkish Airlines, British Airways and EgyptAir are expected to resume operations progressively, although complete schedules have not yet been finalised.

Pegasus Airlines has continued to maintain cancellations on Kuwait routes through 3 August 2026, with passengers encouraged to monitor future service updates directly through the airline.

How Are Kuwait’s Domestic Airlines Operating?

While foreign carriers temporarily suspended operations following the airport incident, Kuwait’s own airlines continued serving passengers.

Kuwait Airways has been operating from Terminal 4, where services are being restored gradually across a network covering approximately 30 destinations.

To assist affected travellers, the airline has introduced complimentary rebooking options for passengers whose journeys were disrupted during the suspension period.

Meanwhile, Jazeera Airways has continued operating normally from Terminal 5 after the facility was confirmed to have remained unaffected by the airport damage.

The continued availability of domestic carriers has helped preserve a level of connectivity while international services have gradually returned.

Why Is Terminal 4 Handling International Flights?

Terminal 1 traditionally serves as the primary base for most foreign airlines operating at Kuwait International Airport.

However, because the terminal sustained damage during the airport strike on 3 June 2026, passenger operations have been temporarily relocated.

Terminal 4 has therefore become the temporary operating centre for returning international airlines while repair work progresses.

Airport authorities have indicated that this arrangement will remain in place until Terminal 1 is fully restored and approved for passenger operations.

Although the temporary relocation has allowed international services to resume, operational adjustments continue to influence flight schedules and airport logistics.

What Is the Current Status of Each Airport Terminal?

Kuwait International Airport is currently operating through multiple terminals with different responsibilities.

Terminal 4 now serves both Kuwait Airways and the growing number of returning international airlines during the temporary recovery period.

Terminal 5 continues functioning as the dedicated base for Jazeera Airways after remaining unaffected by the earlier airport disruption.

Terminal 1, despite briefly reopening on 1 June 2026, sustained damage only two days later during the airport strike and therefore remains closed while repairs continue.

Meanwhile, Terminal 2 remains under construction as part of the long-term airport expansion project designed by Foster + Partners, with completion continuing to be targeted for late 2026.

Are Regional Airspace Conditions Still Affecting Flights?

Although airline operations have resumed, regional aviation conditions continue to require careful monitoring.

Airport authorities have indicated that temporary precautionary airspace restrictions may still occur as regional tensions continue across parts of the Gulf.

At the same time, European aviation guidance continues to influence some international carriers.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has maintained its Conflict Zone Information Bulletin covering Gulf airspace, including Kuwait, through 24 June 2026.

While this advisory does not constitute a mandatory flight ban, European airlines have generally adopted a cautious approach when planning operations within the region.

By contrast, airlines based in the United Arab Emirates have resumed services more quickly because they are not directly governed by the same European operational recommendations.

What Should Travellers Do Before Flying?

Passengers travelling to or from Kuwait are being encouraged to verify the latest flight information directly with their airlines before departing for the airport.

Schedules continue to evolve as additional carriers restore services and temporary terminal arrangements remain in place.

Travellers whose flights were cancelled during the earlier suspension period may remain eligible for complimentary ticket changes or refunds, depending on individual airline policies.

Authorities have also advised passengers to rely only on official airline communications and airport updates after inaccurate reopening reports circulated during the recovery period.

What Does the Recovery Mean for Kuwait’s Aviation Sector?

The return of foreign airlines represents an important milestone in restoring Kuwait’s international connectivity following the operational disruption experienced earlier in June.

Although full normal operations have not yet resumed, the phased return of major regional and international carriers demonstrates growing confidence in airport safety and operational readiness.

With Terminal 4 continuing to accommodate international airlines, Terminal 5 maintaining domestic services and infrastructure repairs progressing at Terminal 1, Kuwait International Airport is steadily rebuilding its position as one of the Gulf’s important aviation gateways.

As additional airlines resume operations over the coming weeks, travellers can expect connectivity to continue improving while airport authorities work towards a complete restoration of normal international services.