Kuwait International Airport (KWI)

Kuwait City, KW 🇰🇼 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

OKKK

IATA

KWI

Elevation

206 ft

Region

KW-FA

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: OKKK

Local Code: Not available

Location: 29.226601° N, 47.968899° E

Continent: AS

Type: Large International Airport

Keywords: OKBK Al Mubarak Air Base

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Kuwait International Airport (KWI) generally receives a low traveler satisfaction rating, often described with negative sentiment regarding its facilities and staff. Recent reviews highlight a consistent pattern of dissatisfaction, with the airport even being ranked as one of the lowest in Asia. While some isolated positive experiences exist, particularly in Terminal 4, the overall consensus points to an airport struggling with modernization and customer service.

What Travelers Love
  • Efficient Immigration/Customs (Terminal 4): Some recent travelers, particularly those with specific nationalities and using Terminal 4, reported very efficient e-visa stamping and customs clearance, sometimes taking less than 10 minutes.
  • Wi-Fi and Charging: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals, and electric sockets are present.
  • Transportation Options: A variety of ground transportation is available, including taxis, ride-share services (Uber, Careem), rental cars (Hertz, Avis, Budget), and public buses. A free shuttle bus connects the terminals.
  • Accessibility: The airport is equipped with facilities for travelers with mobility needs, such as wheelchair services and moving walkways.
Common Complaints
  • Rude and Unprofessional Staff: A pervasive issue across multiple reviews is the poor attitude and lack of professionalism from airport staff, particularly security personnel.
  • Outdated and Unclean Facilities: Many travelers describe the terminals as cramped, claustrophobic, and outdated, with dim lighting and worn-out carpets. Dirty toilets are a frequently cited cleanliness issue.
  • Inefficient Security and Immigration: Passengers often face long queues, multiple and seemingly arbitrary hand luggage scans, selective shoe removal, and general disorganization in security and immigration processes.
  • Limited Amenities and Congestion: The airport is often perceived as congested. Transit areas are criticized for limited food, beverage, and duty-free options, with some lounges being expensive and offering poor value.
  • Layover Challenges: Travelers with long layovers (over 6 hours) have reported being told they cannot stay in the terminal and must book a hotel, even without a visa to exit.

In summary, Kuwait International Airport struggles with its overall traveler experience, largely due to poor staff interactions, outdated and unclean facilities, and cumbersome security procedures. While some basic amenities and transportation options are available, and Terminal 4 offers a slightly better experience, the airport generally falls short of international standards, particularly for transit passengers.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Kuwait International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
60 1146 60 Dec 10, 2025
55 891 55 Dec 10, 2025
Gulf Air
GFA / GF
1 116 1 Dec 10, 2025
FlyDubai
FDB / FZ
1 112 1 Dec 8, 2025
1 107 1 Dec 9, 2025
1 103 1 Dec 10, 2025
Egypt Air
MSR / MS
2 75 2 Dec 9, 2025
Emirates
UAE / EK
1 74 1 Dec 10, 2025
IndiGO
IGO / 6E
6 60 6 Dec 8, 2025
1 57 1 Dec 8, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
15L/33R 11483 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted
15R/33L 11155 ft 148 ft CON Active Lighted
16/34 15026 ft 197 ft ASPH Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 121.3 MHz
ATIS ATIS 126.225 MHz
GND GND 121.7 MHz
TWR TWR 118.3 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
KUA Kuwait VOR-DME 115500 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Official airport taxis are available 24/7 outside the arrivals hall of all terminals. These taxis operate on a fixed-fare system based on zones, with prices posted at the official taxi ranks. Ride-hailing services like Careem and Uber are also popular and can be booked via their mobile apps for pickup at designated areas.

Rental Cars

Numerous car rental companies, including major international brands like Avis, Hertz, Budget, and Sixt, as well as local providers, have service desks located in the arrivals hall. It is advisable to book your vehicle in advance. To rent a car, you will typically need a valid driver's license, passport, a credit card, and often an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Public Transportation

Public buses are the most economical transportation option. Bus stops for operators like Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) and CityBus are located outside the arrivals terminal. These buses connect the airport to various destinations across Kuwait City and other areas. While cost-effective, this option may be less convenient for those with heavy luggage or unfamiliar with the routes.

Nearby Airports

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~129 km away
Basra International Airport
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Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base
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Abadan Airport
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Ras Mishab Airport
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Basra International Airport
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Al Abdaliyah Highway Strip
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Shu'aiba Airport
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Police Officers Club Heliport
KW-0001
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Heliport
~15 km away
Al Adan Heliport
KW-0007
Hadiya, KW
Heliport
~15 km away
Marina Waves Heliport
KW-0006
Salmiya, KW
Heliport
~16 km away
Old Ahmadi Hospital Heliport 1
KW-0004
Al Ahmadi, KW
Heliport
~17 km away
Old Ahmadi Hospital Heliport 2
KW-0005
Al Ahmadi, KW
Heliport
~17 km away
New Ahmadi Hospital Heliport
KW-0003
Al Ahmadi, KW
Heliport
~18 km away
KOC Heliport
KW-0002
Al Ahmadi, KW
Heliport
~20 km away
Abdullah bin Umm Maktum Mosque Helipad
KW-0014
Az Zawr, KW
Heliport
~37 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.