Kuwait to shut down airport due to coronavirus spread until further notice

Thursday, March 12, 2020

In light of the novel coronavirus outbreak, Kuwait has decided to shut down all commercial flights from Friday, the 13^th of March 2020 for an indefinite amount of time. The decision comes following the announcement of a 14 days long official holiday set to begin from today, the 12^th of March 2020 to the 26^th of March. All of these actions are being considered as a part of the measures undertaken to fight against the effects of the deadly COVID-19 virus.

Previously, Kuwait has already issued an entry ban on non-citizens arriving the country from regions majorly affected by coronavirus. The brand new policy raises the bar of precautionary measures to a completely new level. As a result of the action, a large number of Kuwait residents will be trapped inside the country whereas many others would be stranded outside until further notice has been issued.

On Wednesday, Kuwait DCGA or Civil Aviation took to social media to officially confirm the news which was earlier deemed to be a rumour. According to the circular, issued based on the decision of the Council of Ministers from the State of Kuwait, no non-Kuwaiti individuals are allowed to enter the country through Kuwait International Airport and all commercial flights are restricted to Kuwaiti citizens and their first-degree relatives. Any domestic workers accompanying such individuals will also be given entry. All commercial flights have been suspended until it is notified further. In addition, Kuwaiti citizens will be evacuated from abroad with the help of Kuwait embassies around the globe. Cargo flights and imports will be exempted from the plan.

Undoubtedly, the new decision has been undertaken in response to the increasing coronavirus cases. As of yesterday, Kuwait has reported 72 confirmed cases of coronavirus. The Kuwaiti government has also refrained issuing visas for countries affected by the deadly virus.

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