Kuwait resumes air traffic after brief suspension over Iranian attacks

Kuwait's Civil Aviation Directorate announced on Saturday that the country's airspace had reopened and commercial flights resumed at 6:15 a.m. local time (0315GMT), following a temporary precautionary shutdown prompted by hostile missile and drone threats launched by Iran.

The directorate said in a statement carried by the Kuwaiti News Agency that authorities suspended operations earlier as a defensive measure while air defenses engaged incoming threats. "Air traffic has resumed since 6:15 am following coordination with the relevant authorities and confirmation of stability," the directorate said, adding that eleven flights operated by Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways were diverted to nearby airports during the closure.

Regional tensions

The incident occurs amid heightened regional instability that has persisted since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran in late February. Tehran has subsequently conducted retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and nations hosting American military bases, while also disrupting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a vital chokepoint for global energy exports.

A ceasefire has since taken effect between the belligerents, though diplomatic efforts to secure a broader agreement have continued without resolution as tensions remain elevated across the region.