Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
ICAO: OKBK
Live Flight Status
Kuwait International Airport (KWI) Arrivals & Departures — check real-time flight status, delays, gate changes, and baggage claim information for all domestic and international flights at KWI.
Overview
Kuwait International Airport (IATA: KWI, ICAO: OKBK) is the primary international airport serving Kuwait City, the capital of Kuwait. Located about 16 km south of Kuwait City in the Farwaniya Governorate, KWI is the home base of Kuwait Airways (KU) and Jazeera Airways (J9), and the only international airport in the country[reference:0].
The airport is a combined civil and military facility, also housing the Al Mubarak Air Base. It operates five terminal buildings, with Terminal 1 serving as the main terminal for most international airlines, Terminal 4 used exclusively by Kuwait Airways (KU), and Terminal 5 dedicated to Jazeera Airways (J9).
KWI connects over 70 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa, served by more than 30 airlines. Popular routes include Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), Cairo (CAI), Istanbul (IST), London (LHR), Mumbai (BOM), and Manila (MNL). The airport handled approximately 15.4 million passengers in 2024.
A major expansion programme is underway, including a new third runway measuring 4.58 km (one of the world’s longest) and a new terminal building designed to increase capacity significantly.
Popular Destinations from Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
International routes include London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam (AMS), Mumbai (BOM), Manila (MNL), Bangkok (BKK), and Kuala Lumpur (KUL). The airport connects over 70 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa, operated by more than 30 airlines including Kuwait Airways (KU), Jazeera Airways (J9), Emirates (EK), Qatar Airways (QR), Etihad Airways (EY), Turkish Airlines (TK), British Airways (BA), Air India (AI), and IndiGo (6E).
Terminals
Kuwait International Airport operates five terminal buildings, each serving a specific purpose.
Terminal 1 is the main terminal, handling most international flights for airlines including Emirates (EK), Qatar Airways (QR), Etihad Airways (EY), Turkish Airlines (TK), British Airways (BA), Air India (AI), and IndiGo (6E)[reference:5]. It covers an area of approximately 190,000 square metres and houses arrival and departure halls, duty-free shops, and multiple lounges.
Terminal 4, opened in late 2018, is used exclusively by Kuwait Airways (KU). It covers an area of 55,000 square metres and features dedicated check-in areas and direct access to immigration.
Terminal 5, opened in mid-2018, is dedicated to Jazeera Airways (J9), Kuwait’s low-cost carrier. It covers an area of 4,000 square metres and handles all Jazeera Airways flights.
Terminal 3 (Sheikh Saad General Aviation Terminal) is used exclusively by regional airlines.
A free shuttle bus connects all terminals. Passengers should allow at least 30–45 minutes for transfers between distant terminals. The minimum connection time at KWI is 60 minutes for most transfers.
| Terminal | Purpose | Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Main international terminal | Emirates (EK), Qatar Airways (QR), Etihad Airways (EY), Turkish Airlines (TK), British Airways (BA), Air India (AI), IndiGo (6E) |
| Terminal 4 | Kuwait Airways exclusive | Kuwait Airways (KU) |
| Terminal 5 | Jazeera Airways exclusive | Jazeera Airways (J9) |
Transportation
Kuwait International Airport is well connected to Kuwait City and the rest of Kuwait through several transport options. The airport is located about 16 km south of the city centre.
Public Bus
Kuwait Public Transport Company operates bus routes 13, 99, and 501 from the airport to various parts of the city. Buses run from 04:30 to 23:45. Express bus X3 connects the airport with downtown Kuwait City, running every hour including nights. Tickets can be purchased on board for KWD 1 (approximately $3.25). The journey to the city centre takes about 25–30 minutes.
Taxi
Official airport taxis are available 24/7 outside the Arrivals hall. The journey to Kuwait City centre costs approximately KWD 5–8 (approximately $16–26) and takes 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Fixed rates apply for some destinations.
Ride-hailing
Careem operates at KWI. Pick-up zones are clearly marked outside the terminal. Prices are similar to taxis but can be higher during peak hours.
Private Transfer
Book a driver in advance for a stress-free arrival. Prices start from $25 for a sedan, including meet & greet in the arrivals hall. Popular with families and business travellers.
Car Rental
Major international and local car rental companies operate at KWI, including Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, National, and Green Motion. Pickup counters are located in the Arrivals hall of Terminal 1.
Car Rental at Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
Compare live rates from Hertz, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, National, and trusted local suppliers. Pickup counters are located in the Arrivals hall of Terminal 1. Free cancellation on most bookings.
🚗 Search available cars →Hotels Near Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
Choose from 30+ hotels near Kuwait International Airport — from budget options like Sara Palace Apartments to premium brands like Crowne Plaza Kuwait Al Thuraya City and Holiday Inn Kuwait Al Thuraya City. The Safir Airport Hotel is located inside the airport restricted zone for transit passengers. Free airport shuttle available at most properties.
🏨 See nearby hotels →Kuwait International Airport (KWI) Map & Layout
Interactive map showing terminals, parking, taxi stands, ride-hailing pickup zones, and nearby landmarks.
Airport Information & Contacts
Farwaniya Governorate, Kuwait