Kuwait Airways Corporation

Kuwait Airways maintains a robust safety record with no major accidents attributed to safety negligence in the past decade. Historically, the airline experienced two notable hijacking incidents in the 1980s, including Kuwait Airways Flight 422 in 1988, which involved a 16-day hostage crisis and resulted in two fatalities. More recently, minor incidents such as cabin pressurization issues and a temporary runway excursion have been reported.

The airline holds significant regulatory certifications, underscoring its commitment to safety. Kuwait Airways is accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), a globally recognized standard for operational safety, achieving a 94.7% compliance rate in a recent audit. It is also ISO 9001 certified for consistent high-quality service and adheres to the rigorous safety protocols set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Kuwait (CAA). Its authorization to operate flights to the US and Europe further indicates compliance with stringent international safety regulations. Additionally, in 2014, Kuwait Airways secured ACC3 and RA3 EU certifications for its air cargo and mail operations into the European Union.

Kuwait Airways has been actively modernizing its fleet. As of April 2023, the average age of its aircraft is 8.9 years, which is considered relatively young. This represents a significant improvement from October 2013, when the average fleet age was 20 years. While past concerns existed regarding an aging fleet leading to maintenance issues and temporary groundings, the current modernization efforts aim to mitigate these. The airline's testing laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, reflecting a commitment to high standards in maintenance quality.

Based on available data, Kuwait Airways demonstrates a strong overall safety assessment. Airline Ratings assigns Kuwait Airways a safety rating of 7/7, a testament to its solid safety record. The consistent renewal of its IOSA certification and adherence to both international and national safety standards reinforce its reputable position in aviation safety. In 2020, the airline also received recognition as the Middle East's Leading Airline for Business Class at the World Travel Awards.