Kuwait reopens airspace for first time since Iran war began

Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority announced the reopening of the country’s airspace on Thursday evening, marking the first time since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28. Director General Hamoud Mubarak told state news agency KUNA that the decision follows a “temporary and precautionary suspension” of air traffic due to regional conditions. The reopening is part of a phased plan to gradually resume flights before full airport operations.

Damage assessment and Saudi support

Mubarak stated that the authority has completed its assessment of damage inflicted on airport facilities from attacks by Iran and its allied armed groups. He also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its cooperation and support in facilitating Kuwaiti carrier operations through Saudi airports during the closure. Kuwait International Airport had been targeted in multiple attacks that authorities attributed to Iran and affiliated groups.

Regional hostilities continue

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran on February 28, killing and wounding thousands. Tehran responded with retaliatory strikes on Israel and countries hosting US military assets, while also restricting passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the airspace reopening, a fragile ceasefire remains in place as diplomatic efforts continue.