While airports across the Gulf experienced record-breaking growth in passenger and cargo traffic in 2024, Kuwait International Airport faced stagnation, leading to the withdrawal of several international airlines. According to a report by Al-Seyassah daily, the primary reason cited by airlines was the economic unviability of continuing operations in Kuwait.

In March 2024, British Airways ended its daily flights to Kuwait after more than six decades of uninterrupted service. This followed earlier exits by Lufthansa and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in September 2023. In total, 14 international carriers have suspended flights to Kuwait while maintaining service to other Gulf airports.

These airlines include:
British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, Air France, Swiss Air, Royal Brunei Airlines.

Industry observers highlight several contributing factors to the decline in air traffic at Kuwait International Airport:

• High jet fuel prices in Kuwait compared to neighboring countries
• Intensified competition from dominant Gulf airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Saudia
• Outdated airport infrastructure and substandard services, which hinder operational efficiency and passenger experience

Despite Kuwait’s strategic location, these challenges have made it less attractive for major airlines.

Passenger statistics underscore the disparity in regional airport performance:

• Kuwait International Airport: 15.6 million passengers in 2023 → 15.4 million in 2024 (-1%)
• Dubai International Airport: 87 million → 92.3 million (+5.7%)
• Doha International Airport: 45.9 million → 52.7 million (+14.8%)
• Riyadh Airport: 31.9 million → 37.6 million (+17.8%)
• Abu Dhabi Airport: 22.9 million → 28.7 million (+25.3%)

In March 2025 alone, Kuwait International Airport reported 41,838 transit passengers, while Jazeera Airways—a local budget airline—handled 72,397 transit passengers in the same period.

Aviation experts stress that Kuwait must modernize its airport infrastructure, reduce fuel costs, and enhance customer service standards to regain its position as a viable hub in the region. Without swift and strategic improvements, the airport risks falling further behind its more agile and ambitious Gulf neighbors.

Additionally, aviation industry analysts suggest aligning Kuwait's policies with international standards to attract global carriers back and promote Kuwait as a regional transit hub.