List of Airports in Kuwait
As of 2024, there are 2 airports throughout the country of Kuwait according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Kuwait are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Kuwait
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ahmed Al Jaber Airport | XIJ | Ahmed Al Jaber | Small |
| 2 | Kuwait International Airport | KWI | Kuwait | Large |
Major Airports in Kuwait
Kuwait has a limited number of major airports due to its small size, but these airports are critical for both international and domestic travel, playing an essential role in the country’s economy and connectivity to the Middle East and beyond. Below are the details of the key airports in Kuwait:
1. Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
Airport Code: KWI
Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST) – UTC +3:00
Address:
Kuwait International Airport, Farwaniya Governorate, Kuwait
Nearby Cities:
- Kuwait City – 9 miles
- Salmiya – 10 miles
- Hawalli – 7 miles
- Jahra – 14 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Kuwait Airways
- Jazeera Airways
- Gulf Air
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Saudi Arabian Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 6 million passengers annually
Airport Location and History:
Kuwait International Airport is the primary and largest airport in Kuwait, located 9 miles south of Kuwait City. Opened in 1962, the airport was a major project aimed at modernizing the country’s aviation infrastructure. It was initially designed to serve the needs of Kuwait Airways, the national carrier, but over time, it has become a hub for international travelers as well. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of passengers and increasing international connections.
In addition to its passenger traffic, Kuwait International Airport is crucial for the region’s air cargo and freight operations. The airport’s development was instrumental in boosting tourism and trade, solidifying Kuwait’s position as an economic and logistical hub in the Gulf region.
The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion project, including the construction of a new terminal to increase its capacity to 25 million passengers annually.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Kuwait International Airport has two main runways:
- Runway 15/33 – 3,300 meters (10,827 feet)
- Runway 08/26 – 3,600 meters (11,811 feet)
Both runways are capable of handling large wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747. The airport’s terminals offer a range of services such as duty-free shopping, lounges, restaurants, and a VIP terminal. The main terminal is equipped with modern facilities and amenities to serve both business and leisure travelers.
The airport offers various ground transportation options including taxis, buses, and car rental services. Additionally, it has good road connectivity to Kuwait City and surrounding areas, ensuring easy access for passengers.
2. Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Airport (Not fully operational)
Airport Code: (Under development)
Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST) – UTC +3:00
Address:
Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Airport, South of Kuwait City, Kuwait
Nearby Cities:
- Kuwait City – 15 miles
- Mubarak Al Kabeer – 9 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- None yet (currently under development)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Not yet operational
Airport Location and History:
Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Airport, often referred to as the New Kuwait Airport, is an ambitious project under development in the southern part of Kuwait, near the Al-Dhahiya region. This airport is part of a broader strategy by the Kuwaiti government to boost the country’s aviation and tourism sector. The project was announced in 2013 with the goal of expanding Kuwait’s aviation infrastructure, which was becoming increasingly strained due to rising passenger numbers.
Once completed, the airport will serve as a second international hub in the country, capable of handling millions of passengers annually. This facility aims to support the growing demand for air travel in Kuwait, particularly from international tourists and business travelers. It is planned to feature modern terminals, expanded runway capacity, and efficient baggage handling systems.
However, as of now, the airport is still under construction, with no scheduled opening date yet. It is expected to play a crucial role in transforming Kuwait into a regional aviation hub once completed.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Currently, the airport’s infrastructure is still being developed. The planned airport will feature multiple runways and modern facilities to handle both passenger and cargo traffic. Once operational, it is expected to handle a significant number of wide-body aircraft.
The new airport will focus on modern, high-tech features, including high-speed baggage systems, efficient immigration and customs processing, and expansive passenger terminals. The design also includes ample retail, dining, and leisure options to cater to international travelers.
3. Ali Al Salem Air Base (Kuwait Air Force Base)
Airport Code: (N/A, Military)
Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST) – UTC +3:00
Address:
Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait
Nearby Cities:
- Kuwait City – 28 miles
- Jahra – 11 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Primarily used by the Kuwait Air Force and for military transport
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Limited passenger traffic; military and cargo-focused
Airport Location and History:
Ali Al Salem Air Base is a military airfield located approximately 28 miles west of Kuwait City. It is primarily used by the Kuwait Air Force for both military operations and air transport. The base was established in the 1960s and has played a pivotal role in Kuwait’s defense and air operations, particularly during the Gulf War in the early 1990s.
In recent years, the airport has been used for regional cargo and logistics flights, serving military and defense needs. While it does not handle significant commercial passenger traffic, it remains a key asset for Kuwait’s national security. The base is also used by the United States Air Force and other allied military forces for logistical support and troop movements in the region.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Ali Al Salem has a single runway:
- Runway 12/30 – 3,300 meters (10,827 feet)
The runway is capable of accommodating large military aircraft and cargo planes, such as the Boeing 747 and C-130 Hercules. While it is not typically used for commercial flights, its infrastructure is robust and suited for military and air freight operations.
The base includes aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, and transport infrastructure for military personnel and cargo. It also serves as a staging area for regional air operations and humanitarian missions.
4. Mubarak Al Kabeer Port Airport (Proposed Airport)
Airport Code: (Under development)
Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST) – UTC +3:00
Address:
Mubarak Al Kabeer Port, Kuwait
Nearby Cities:
- Kuwait City – 15 miles
- Fahaheel – 17 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Not yet operational
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Not yet operational
Airport Location and History:
Mubarak Al Kabeer Port Airport is a proposed project designed to serve as a new transportation hub connecting Kuwait with the international maritime and aviation sectors. The airport is planned to be located near the Mubarak Al Kabeer Port, one of the largest port developments in the region.
The planned airport aims to provide an additional gateway to Kuwait, supporting the growing demand for both cargo and passenger traffic. It will focus on facilitating both air and sea trade, benefiting from its proximity to the port and commercial shipping lanes.
While the project has been announced, as of now, it is still in its planning stages, with no confirmed opening dates or operational details. When completed, the airport will likely serve a combination of regional flights and freight traffic, enhancing Kuwait’s role as a global trade and logistics hub.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
The Mubarak Al Kabeer Port Airport will feature multiple runways and modern terminal buildings to support both passenger and cargo flights. The runway infrastructure is expected to accommodate wide-body aircraft and cater to international flight operations.
Planned facilities include customs and immigration services, cargo handling units, and high-tech passenger amenities. Its proximity to the seaport will allow for seamless multimodal transportation, providing efficient connectivity for travelers and businesses.
5. Kuwait Air Cargo Terminal (KWI – Cargo)
Airport Code: KWI (Cargo)
Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST) – UTC +3:00
Address:
Kuwait International Airport Cargo Terminal, Farwaniya Governorate, Kuwait
Nearby Cities:
- Kuwait City – 9 miles
- Salmiya – 10 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Kuwait Airways (Cargo)
- Qatar Airways Cargo
- Emirates SkyCargo
- Lufthansa Cargo
- Turkish Cargo
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Cargo-focused – over 150,000 tons annually
Airport Location and History:
The Kuwait International Airport Cargo Terminal is an essential part of the country’s logistics infrastructure, providing air cargo services for both local and international shipping. The terminal, located at Kuwait International Airport, handles a significant amount of cargo traffic and is a crucial part of Kuwait’s trade and transport sector.
With its strategic location and growing capacity, the cargo terminal facilitates imports and exports of various goods, including oil-related products, electronics, and consumer goods. As the region’s shipping hub, Kuwait’s air cargo services support industries across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
The Cargo Terminal at Kuwait International Airport has its own dedicated facilities, including loading and unloading areas, storage units, and specialized equipment for handling sensitive and perishable goods.
The terminal is capable of handling large volumes of cargo, with advanced freight processing systems that ensure quick turnaround times. It is also equipped with the necessary infrastructure for large cargo aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and other wide-body freighters.
