Foreign airlines are flying to Kuwait again. Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, IndiGo and Air India Express have all resumed, most of them at a fraction of their pre-conflict frequencies.
Here is who has come back, at what frequency, and which terminal they use.
Which foreign airlines are flying to Kuwait
Foreign carriers returned through August, operating into Terminal 4 while Terminal 1 stays closed. The pattern is a thin but real schedule: usually one daily rotation where there used to be several, plus occasional same-day cancellations.
| Airline | Kuwait status (September 2026) |
|---|---|
| Emirates | Resumed 24 August. One daily Dubai service, EK857, against four before |
| Etihad | Resumed. One daily Abu Dhabi rotation, EY653 and EY654 |
| Qatar Airways | Resumed 8 August |
| IndiGo | Daily Hyderabad to Kuwait, 6E1235 and 6E1236 |
| Air India Express | Resumed, within its restored India to Gulf network |
| Air Arabia | Operating, with recurring same-day cancellations on Kuwait flights |
| Pegasus Airlines | Operating from Istanbul |
| European carriers | Constrained by EASA guidance to 30 September. Confirm before booking |
On this network a cancellation is far more likely to be one rotation pulled that morning than a route withdrawn, so the day-of status is what matters. Look up your flight number on Wego’s flight tracker before you travel.
Why frequencies are still low
Kuwaiti airspace is open for arrivals and departures only, each needing prior approval, and overflights are prohibited. Separately, EASA advises operators to stay out of Gulf waters inside the Kuwait region except as needed to land or depart, guidance running to 30 September 2026. On the ground, Terminal 1 is still closed, so foreign carriers share Terminal 4 with Kuwait Airways, which caps how many flights the airport can take.
Our Kuwait airspace guide sets out the restrictions, and Is Kuwait Airport open? covers the terminals. If your flight was cancelled, ask about a refund or free rebooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have foreign airlines resumed Kuwait flights?
Yes. Qatar Airways returned on 8 August and Emirates on 24 August, Etihad is running a daily Abu Dhabi rotation, and IndiGo and Air India Express are flying from India. Most are at reduced frequency.
Are Emirates and Etihad back to normal Kuwait schedules?
No. Both are running one daily Kuwait service. Emirates flew four daily Dubai to Kuwait flights before the disruption, and neither airline has said when full frequencies return.
Can my Kuwait flight still be cancelled at short notice?
Yes. Individual rotations are still pulled on the day, Air Arabia’s Kuwait services among them. Check your own flight number before leaving for the airport, and expect a full refund or free rebooking if the airline cancels.
Sources
- The National, Emirates resumes Dubai to Kuwait flights, 24 August 2026
- Gulf News, Qatar Airways resumes Bahrain, Kuwait and Erbil flights from 8 August
- The National, Middle East flight delays and cancellations, 3 September 2026
- Arab News, Air India Express restores all flights to the Gulf region
- EASA Conflict Zone Information Bulletin 2026-07R2
- Safe Airspace, Kuwait FIR restrictions
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.
