Kuwait International Airport has fallen to the bottom of Gulf aviation rankings following a notable drop in passenger traffic. While regional hubs such as Dubai, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi are experiencing rapid growth, Kuwait’s main airport recorded a 3% decrease in passengers in the first half of 2025, totaling only 7.4 million travelers.

This downward trend makes Kuwait the only Gulf nation to report a decline in air traffic during this period. In contrast, Dubai welcomed 46 million passengers (a 2.3% increase), while Abu Dhabi saw a 13% jump to 15.8 million passengers. Even smaller hubs like Bahrain and Muscat achieved modest growth.

A major factor contributing to Kuwait’s decline is the withdrawal of key international airlines. British Airways suspended its Kuwait route in March 2025, joining other major carriers like Lufthansa and KLM that have already ceased operations in the country.

While Bahrain managed to persuade British Airways to maintain its flights, Kuwait's lack of swift diplomatic engagement left its route cancelled. Aviation analysts highlight this as a sign of broader institutional inaction in Kuwait’s civil aviation sector.

• Limited expansion of national carriers due to regulatory restrictions.
• Delays in renewing contracts and attracting new airlines due to bureaucratic processes.
• Aging infrastructure, with reports of gravel on the runway causing aircraft damage and overcrowded terminals disrupting operations.
• High jet fuel prices, making operations less attractive for carriers compared to other Gulf airports.

Kuwait’s Vision 2035 plan envisions transforming the country into a financial and commercial hub. A core pillar of this initiative is a modern, efficient airport that acts as a gateway for global commerce and tourism. However, aviation experts argue that Kuwait International Airport’s current performance is “out of sync” with these national goals.

“There is an over-reliance on a single decision-making body — the General Authority of Civil Aviation,” said one expert. “To reverse this trend, Kuwait needs to decentralize oversight and implement a time-bound action plan with input from multiple credible entities.”

Airport	Passenger Count	Growth Rate
Dubai	46 million	+2.3%
Abu Dhabi	15.8 million	+13%
Riyadh	21.3 million	+4.8%
Bahrain	4.5 million	+1.5%
Muscat	5.2 million	+2%
Kuwait	7.4 million	-3%

With neighboring Gulf countries accelerating their aviation strategies, Kuwait risks losing its competitive edge. Experts are calling for:

• A diversified aviation oversight framework
• Rapid modernization of infrastructure
• Proactive airline engagement policies
• Targeted investment in airport services and facilities

If these measures are not taken promptly, Kuwait’s goal of becoming a key regional transit hub under Vision 2035 may slip further out of reach.