Kuwait’s aviation sector has been thrust into the spotlight after the abrupt dismissal of Kuwait Airways CEO Ahmad al-Kreebani, a move that coincides with an unprecedented wave of international airline exits from Kuwait International Airport. According to Reuters, al-Kreebani was removed from his position after Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) rescinded its approval of his leadership.
Al-Kreebani, who had held the role since late 2022, was seen as falling short of the governance and operational rigour demanded by both domestic regulators and an increasingly competitive regional aviation landscape. His successor, Abdulwahab Al-Shatti, assumed the role this week, inheriting an airline in a delicate position both internally and externally.
Global airlines withdraw from Kuwait
The timing is no coincidence. In recent months, 14 international carriers—including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, and Singapore Airlines—have suspended their operations in Kuwait.
While these airlines continue to serve other Gulf hubs, such as Doha, Dubai, and Riyadh, they cite Kuwait’s economic unviability, substandard infrastructure, and stagnant passenger growth as key reasons for their withdrawal.
Passenger traffic at Kuwait International Airport declined by 1% in 2024, down to 15.4 million from 15.6 million the previous year.
This stands in contrast to airports in neighbouring countries, which are experiencing double-digit growth on the back of aggressive expansion strategies and tourism-focused national visions.
Infrastructure and investment gaps
Infrastructure shortcomings have also played a decisive role. Kuwait’s delayed Terminal 2 project and ageing facilities at the main terminal have failed to meet modern international standards.
In an era where passenger experience and operational efficiency are paramount, Kuwait has struggled to offer the seamless connectivity and world-class amenities that global carriers demand.
Without investment in both infrastructure and strategic positioning, Kuwait risks long-term marginalisation in a region where aviation is not only booming but being used as a pillar of economic transformation.
As Gulf neighbours continue to invest in mega-hubs, embrace sustainability and digital transformation, and attract global partnerships, Kuwait must urgently define its place in the regional aviation ecosystem.
