Kuwait

Market overview

Kuwait is a mid-sized Gulf market that has been rebuilding its airport capacity. Kuwait International Airport handled 7.4 million passengers in the first half of 2025, down 3%, the only Gulf airport to decline in that period, after several European airlines withdrew. The main project is the new Terminal 2, designed by Foster + Partners and built mainly by Türkiye's Limak, with capacity for up to 25 million passengers a year. Its civil works deadline is 30 November 2026, with opening targeted for the last quarter of 2026. A new 4.58 km third runway and a 70-metre control tower opened in late 2025. Operations at the existing terminals were interrupted in 2026, and Kuwaiti airlines temporarily routed flights through Dammam in Saudi Arabia. Jazeera Airways, the low-cost carrier, made a record profit in 2025 and carried more than 5 million passengers; it is renewing its fleet with A320neos. For suppliers and practitioners, the openings are in terminal systems and commissioning for Terminal 2, ground handling and airport operations readiness, line maintenance, and training for a fleet in transition.

Key facts

• 7.4 million passengers at Kuwait International Airport in the first half of 2025, down 3% (Arab Times, Aug 2025).
• Terminal 2: up to 25 million passengers a year; about 700,000–750,000 m²; designer Foster + Partners; main contractor Limak (Apr 2026).
• Terminal 2 civil works deadline: 30 November 2026; opening targeted for Q4 2026 (Dec 2025 / Apr 2026).
• Third runway (4.58 km) and a 70-metre air traffic control tower opened in late 2025.
• Jazeera Airways: record 2025 net profit of KD 21.8 million (about US$80 million); more than 5 million passengers; load factor 77.6%; first A320neo in service.

Key figures

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0).