List of 3 Military & International Airports in Kuwait

Kuwait, situated between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, features a landscape adorned with striking skyscrapers, captivating museums, and much more. Visitors travelling to Kuwait engage in thrilling adventures and delve into the rich local history of the region. 

With convenient access provided by airports in Kuwait, you get to explore this place's cultural heritage, which offers its travellers a diverse range of activities and experiences.

Kuwait airports consist of one international and two military-based airports. Before making any plans for your trip to Kuwait, know about the year of establishment, how busy the airport is, and the recent developments of that particular airport.

Note: The services and other factors keep changing frequently. So, please verify all information before planning your trip.

1.Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Kuwait City

The current main airport structure of Kuwait International Airport was designed by Kenzo Tange and opened in 1979. Kuwait International Airport is located 15.5 km south of the centre of Kuwait City.

This airport ranks as one of the busiest airports in Kuwait since it serves as the sole gateway for commercial arrivals and departures. This airport can handle more than 13 million passengers a year.

• Address: 6XRC+5CF Kuwait International Airport, Ghazali Rd, Kuwait
• ICAO Code: OKKK
• IATA Code: KWI
• Category: International
• Terminals:
  • Terminal 1 - Operated by international airlines.
  • Terminal 2 - Under construction to transform the airport into a new regional air hub in the Gulf.
  • Terminal 3 - Originally named the Sheikh Saad General Aviation Terminal, it is operated by Dubai-based low-cost carrier, flydubai
  • Terminal 4 - Operated by Kuwait's national carrier, Kuwait Airways. 
  • Terminal 5 - Operated by Kuwait-based budget airline Jazeera Airways.
• Services & Amenities Available
  • Assistance to disabled people 
  • Conference and business facilities
  • Money Exchange
  • Lost and found service
  • Car rental services
  • Duty-free shops
  • Restaurants
  • Coffee shops
  • Nursery
  • Playing area for children
  • Medical centre

Besides the international airport mentioned above, Kuwait has two important military-based airports that support its military operations and national security.

2. Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base (XIJ), Kuwait City

Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base is around 51.5 km away from Kuwait. The United States Air Force's 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing relocated to the Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base in May 2016. This airbase also has an area deployed for operations by the U.S. Air Force and its allies.

• Address: WQPV+86, At Tawil, Kuwait
• ICAO Code: OKAJ
• IATA Code: XIJ
• Category: Military
• Terminals: NA
• Services & Amenities Available: Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base provides military services.

3. Ali Al Salem Air Base (KEZ), Kuwait City

Situated in Kuwait, Ali Al Salem Air Base is a military air base located approximately 37 km from the border with Iraq and about 15 km west of Al Jahra. This airport started operating in December 2004 and has a notable history dating back to events like the Gulf War, Operation Desert Fox, and Operation Telic.

• Address: Kuwait
• ICAO Code: OKAS
• IATA Code: KEZ
• Category: Military
• Terminals: The airport has one terminal.
• Services & Amenities Available:
  • Dining facility
  • Tournaments 
  • Flight runs games
  • Intramural sports
  • Small office space 
  • Conference room
  • Pool
  • Gym
  • Clinic

Now that you have learned about the list of airports in Kuwait, you can book flights considering all these factors. It will help you enjoy a trouble-free journey. However, while choosing the airport, check the flight departure and arrival timings as they are subject to external weather conditions.