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Kuwait International Airport
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Kuwait International Airport
Kuwait City's primary international gateway in the Arabian Gulf.
- ›Located approximately 16 km south of Kuwait City center.
- ›Kuwait Airways has been headquartered at KWI since its founding.
- ›Terminal 4 opened in 2018 to supplement the older terminal infrastructure.
- ›A major new Terminal 2 project has been planned to raise capacity to over 25 million passengers per year.
- ›The airport sits at an elevation of about 67 feet (20 meters) above sea level.
Kuwait International Airport, located approximately 16 kilometres south of Kuwait City, has served as the primary international gateway of Kuwait since its establishment in the 1960s. The airport plays a central role in connecting the Arabian Gulf region to destinations across Asia, Europe, and Africa. A major expansion project, including a striking new Terminal 2 designed by Foster + Partners, is underway to significantly boost passenger capacity.
- Terminal 1 — The existing main terminal handling the majority of international and domestic flights, home to Kuwait Airways and several international carriers.
- Terminal 2 (Under Construction) — A landmark new terminal designed by Foster + Partners, inspired by desert rose crystal formations, expected to greatly expand the airport's capacity upon completion.
- Terminal 4 — A dedicated terminal primarily serving low-cost and regional carriers operating within the Gulf region.
- Taxis operated by licensed companies available at designated ranks outside arrivals
- Ride-hailing apps including Careem and local services operating from the airport
- Car rental desks from Hertz, Avis, Budget, and local agencies in the arrivals hall
- Hotel shuttle buses offered by major hotels near Kuwait City
- Private chauffeur and limousine services bookable in advance
- Crowne Plaza Kuwait Al Thuraya City
- Ibis Kuwait Salmiya
- Holiday Inn Kuwait Al Thuraya City
- Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait
- Movenpick Hotel Kuwait
Inside the terminal, passengers can find a mix of international fast-food chains, coffee outlets, and Arabic cuisine options airside and in the public areas. Offerings are relatively limited compared to larger regional hubs, so travellers on long layovers may wish to plan accordingly. Outside the airport, Kuwait City offers a wide range of dining from traditional Kuwaiti restaurants serving machboos and harees to global chains along the Gulf Road.
- Arrive at least three hours before international departures as security and immigration queues can be lengthy during peak travel periods.
- Public transport options from the airport are limited, so pre-arranging a taxi or ride-hail service is strongly recommended.
- Kuwait enforces a strict no-alcohol policy throughout the country, including inside the airport terminals.
- Currency exchange counters are available in the arrivals hall, but rates at city banks or ATMs are generally more favourable.
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Kuwait International Airport is an international airport located in the Farwaniya Governorate, Kuwait, 15.5 kilometers (9.6 mi) south of the centre of Kuwait City, spread over an area of 37.7 square kilometres (14.6 sq mi). As of 2025 it is the 12th busiest airport in the Middle East. It serves as the primary hub for Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways. A portion of the airport complex is designated as Abdullah Al-Mubarak Air Base, which contains the headquarters of the Kuwait Air Force, as well as the Kuwait Air Force Museum.
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