KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait International Airport did not open or resume normal operations on Monday as regional conflict continued to disrupt aviation in the Gulf nation, with repeated Iranian-linked drone strikes damaging critical infrastructure including radar systems and fuel facilities.

Kuwait International Airport
Kuwait International Airport

As of March 30, 2026, the airport stayed closed to regular commercial passenger and most cargo flights, according to official statements and flight tracking data. No new inauguration or reopening occurred despite earlier speculation and social media rumors about possible partial operations or a new terminal launch. Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation has maintained the suspension that began in late February following the escalation of the 2026 Iran-related regional war.

Multiple drone attacks have targeted the airport since early March. Strikes on March 12 and 14 damaged the radar installation, while a later assault hit a fuel tank, sparking a fire with limited material damage and no reported casualties. An earlier incident on Feb. 28 also affected Terminal 1. Officials attributed the attacks to Iran or its proxies, prompting heightened security measures and contingency planning across Gulf aviation hubs.

The closure has stranded thousands of travelers and forced airlines, including national carrier Kuwait Airways and low-cost Jazeera Airways, to suspend or reroute services. Some operations have shifted to alternative airports, such as Qaisumah International Airport in Saudi Arabia, located about 2.5 hours by road from Kuwait. Passengers holding confirmed bookings with Kuwait Airways have been advised to register for repatriation flights followed by land transport, with a previous registration deadline of March 6 for certain groups.

Authorities have urged the public not to travel to the airport and to contact airlines directly for the latest updates. Flight status pages showed no scheduled commercial arrivals or departures as of Monday, with messages indicating suspended services. Emergency protocols and backup systems have allowed limited continuity in some cases, but full commercial operations remain grounded pending safety assessments and repairs.

The disruptions come as Kuwait pushes forward with a massive $5.8 billion modernization program centered on a new Terminal 2. Designed by Foster + Partners and constructed by Turkey's Limak İnşaat, the futuristic 700,000-square-meter facility aims to boost annual capacity to 25 million passengers and position Kuwait as a regional aviation hub. Construction stood at around 81% complete by late 2025, with civil works targeted for completion by Nov. 30, 2026, followed by testing and trial operations before full passenger services in the final quarter of the year.

No soft opening, trial runs or partial inauguration took place in March despite unverified online claims. Officials have repeatedly clarified that Terminal 2 remains on schedule for late 2026, with focus currently on interior fit-outs, baggage systems, security infrastructure and sustainability features targeting high environmental standards. The project includes advanced design elements such as a tri-wing concrete-shell roof, natural daylight optimization and explosion-resistant facades suited to the region's conditions.

Existing facilities continue to handle minimal non-commercial activity where possible, but the primary Terminal 1 — originally designed by architect Kenzo Tange and opened in 1979 — along with dedicated terminals for Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways, have been impacted by the security situation. A new runway and air traffic control tower opened in 2025 as part of earlier expansion phases, providing some operational resilience.

The broader regional conflict, which intensified with strikes involving Israel, the United States and Iran starting in late February, has ripple effects across Gulf aviation. Neighboring countries have reported heightened alerts, with some airports implementing additional security or temporary adjustments. Kuwait's Civil Aviation Authority has coordinated with international partners to evaluate damage and restore functionality, though no firm reopening timeline has been announced as of Monday evening.

Travelers affected by cancellations have faced challenges finding alternatives, with road and limited air connections via Saudi Arabia serving as primary options for stranded passengers. Airlines have extended waiver policies for changes and refunds in many cases, while governments have activated repatriation plans for citizens abroad.

Longer-term, the new Terminal 2 project represents Kuwait's vision for post-conflict aviation growth. Once operational, it is expected to feature state-of-the-art passenger amenities, including spacious lounges, efficient processing systems and capacity for large aircraft such as the Airbus A380. The terminal's design emphasizes cultural hospitality elements, such as a waterfall feature in the baggage claim area, alongside energy-efficient technologies.

Experts note that successful recovery will depend on stabilizing the security environment, completing infrastructure repairs and rebuilding passenger confidence. The airport's role as a connector between Europe, Asia and Africa makes its full resumption strategically important for Kuwait's economy, tourism and business links.

In the meantime, the Public Authority for Civil Aviation continues to monitor the situation closely. Passengers planning travel are encouraged to check official airline websites, the Kuwait Civil Aviation Authority channels and global flight trackers for real-time information. Those with existing bookings should avoid heading to the airport until services resume.

The incident highlights vulnerabilities in regional aviation infrastructure during periods of geopolitical tension. Similar challenges have affected other Gulf airports in recent weeks, prompting calls for enhanced air defense coordination and diversified routing options.

Kuwait International Airport, prior to the current suspension, served as the country's main gateway with growing international connections. Its modernization drive, including the Terminal 2 expansion, was intended to handle rising passenger volumes and compete with larger hubs in Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

As repairs and security evaluations proceed, aviation officials emphasize that safety remains the top priority. Contingency measures, including backup radar capabilities where available, help mitigate immediate risks, but full commercial reopening requires comprehensive verification.

For the thousands impacted, the wait continues amid efforts to facilitate safe returns and alternative travel arrangements. Updates from Kuwaiti authorities and airlines will be critical in the coming days as the situation on the ground evolves.

The story remains fluid, with potential developments tied to broader diplomatic and security developments in the Middle East. Travelers and stakeholders are advised to stay informed through verified official sources.