Kuwait International Airport (KWI) is open and currently handling passenger flights through Terminals 4 and 5, while Terminal 1 remains closed. Flight schedules are reduced, so confirm both your terminal and flight status with the airline before setting off.
Here is which terminal your airline uses, and how to get there.
Which terminal is your airline using?
- Terminal 4 is Kuwait Airways’ dedicated terminal.
- Terminal 5 is Jazeera Airways’ dedicated terminal. Kuwait’s Public Authority of Civil Aviation says no 1 October transit restart has been approved. T5 remains Jazeera’s terminal for direct flights.
- Terminal 1 remains closed. Foreign carriers are operating through Terminals 4 and 5; confirm an individual carrier’s terminal directly with that airline.
Terminals 4 and 5 are separate buildings with their own access roads, so check which one you need before you set off rather than at the airport. If your booking says Terminal 1, reconfirm the assignment with your airline.
Current airport status
The airport is open and handling scheduled flights on reduced schedules. The FCDO describes current operations as running through Terminals 4 and 5, with Terminal 1 closed. The DGCA’s 20 September public Summary NOTAM lists A0338/26, “Kuwait FIR is available”; travellers should not rely on an older airport-board snapshot or an earlier blanket airspace restriction as the current status.
Getting to and from the airport
The airport is 15.5 km south of Kuwait City centre. Confirm your terminal first, then allow extra time, because Terminals 4 and 5 are absorbing traffic that normally spreads across Terminal 1 as well.
- Taxi to the city centre takes 20 to 25 minutes and costs 5 to 10 KWD. Careem also operates in Kuwait.
- Public buses on lines 13, 99 and 501 take about 40 minutes to downtown for KD 0.25 one way.
How to check your flight status
- Look up your flight number on Wego’s flight tracker, the evening before and again on the day.
- Check the airport’s own departures board for live status and gates.
- Read your airline’s travel alerts page for rebooking and refund terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kuwait Airport open?
Yes. Kuwait International Airport is handling scheduled flights through Terminals 4 and 5 on reduced schedules, while Terminal 1 remains closed.
Which terminal do I need?
Kuwait Airways uses Terminal 4 and Jazeera Airways uses Terminal 5. Foreign carriers are operating through Terminals 4 and 5, but you should confirm the individual carrier’s terminal before travel.
When will Terminal 1 reopen?
Terminal 1 remains closed. No current reopening date was verified for this update.
How early should I arrive?
Allow more time than usual, and confirm your flight is operating before you leave for the airport. Terminals 4 and 5 are handling the current passenger schedule.
Sources
- Kuwait International Airport, flight information
- UK Foreign Office, Kuwait travel advice, updated 20 August 2026
- Jazeera Airways, travel alerts
- KUNA, Public Authority of Civil Aviation statement on reported transit restart
- Safe Airspace, Kuwait FIR restrictions
- US Embassy Kuwait, security alert updated 3 September 2026
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
