Kuwait International Airport (KWI) is open, working from Terminals 4 and 5 only. Terminal 1 is closed for repairs, so the terminal on an older booking may not be the one you need.
Here is which terminal your airline uses, and how to get there.
Which terminal is your airline using?
- Terminal 4 is Kuwait Airways’ base, and the temporary home of the foreign carriers flying into Kuwait, including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and IndiGo.
- Terminal 5 is Jazeera Airways’ own terminal, operating normally.
- Terminal 1 is closed for repairs, with no confirmed reopening date.
- Terminal 2 remains under construction.
- Terminal 3 is permanently closed.
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 with your airline.
Current airport status
The airport is open and handling scheduled flights on reduced schedules. The UK Foreign Office describes it as operating at reduced capacity through Terminals 4 and 5, with Terminal 1 closed. Delays are common and individual flights are still cancelled on the day, so confirm your own flight rather than trusting the timetable you booked from.
Frequencies are down because Kuwaiti airspace is open for arrivals and departures only, with overflights prohibited. Our Kuwait airspace guide explains those rules, and which foreign airlines are flying to Kuwait covers them carrier by carrier.
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 open and handling scheduled flights through Terminals 4 and 5, on reduced schedules. Terminal 1 is closed for repairs.
Which terminal do I need?
Terminal 4 for Kuwait Airways and for the foreign airlines currently serving Kuwait, and Terminal 5 for Jazeera Airways. Anything that says Terminal 1 has moved.
When will Terminal 1 reopen?
No reopening date has been confirmed. Terminal 1 stays closed until repairs are finished and certified, and Terminals 4 and 5 are carrying all traffic meanwhile.
How early should I arrive?
Allow more time than usual, and confirm your flight is operating before you leave for the airport. Two terminals are handling the traffic of three.
Sources
- Kuwait International Airport, flight information
- UK Foreign Office, Kuwait travel advice, updated 20 August 2026
- Jazeera Airways, travel alerts
- 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.
