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Airline exodus drives up travel costs in Kuwait, disrupts Eid plans

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All eyes on Terminal 2 as travelers lose direct access to key European connections

By Passant Hisham and Faten Omar

KUWAIT: With the gradual pullout of more than a dozen global airlines — particularly major European carriers — from Kuwait in recent years, travel has become more challenging for residents. As the summer season approaches, many are reporting higher ticket costs, fewer direct flight options and a growing reliance on less convenient transit routes through regional hubs such as Doha and Dubai, operated by neighboring airlines.

Travel difficulties have reached a point where some frequent travelers have decided to postpone their planned summer holiday altogether. “Some flights have layovers of over six to eight hours, which is exhausting and affects the travel experience.” frequent traveler Talal Al-Fadhli said.

“I was planning to visit a few countries in Europe, but even budget airlines were unusually expensive. I tried switching airlines to avoid long stopovers, but either the prices were very high, or the airline services were not good options.”

A travel consultant at a local agency, Mohamed Moustafa, says the rise in prices stems from reduced competition in the market. “When these major airlines leave, competition drops and fares go up,” he said. “Even neighboring airlines are expensive now because demand is high and supply is low.” Before pulling out of Kuwait, these European carriers connected travelers to key transit airports like Frankfurt and Amsterdam. He explained that with fewer choices available, ticket prices naturally increased.

Disrupting Eid plans

The absence of major international carriers has not only affected summer travel, but also intensified pressure during peak periods like Eid.

“Ticket prices have gone up by about 90 percent during Eid due to increased demand,” an employee from a local budget airline explained. “With fewer direct routes, travelers are forced to book longer and expensive flights with other airlines.”

Shahrookh Khan Pathan, another frequent traveler, shared his frustration over how much Eid airfare has increased compared to last year. “Ticket prices during Eid are much higher. The last time I flew with a local airline from Kuwait and back, it cost around KD 100 to 120,” he said. “But just yesterday, I checked, and the same route was over KD 220.”

The sharp rise forced Pathan and his family to cancel their travel plans. “We wanted to celebrate with our loved ones, but these prices are just not manageable,” he said.

He added that regional competitors weren’t much better, with fares jumping from KD 90–100 to more than KD 175. “And these tickets don’t even come with basic things like meals,” he said. “Even the cheaper options have layovers that last more than 12 hours. Who wants to spend their Eid stuck in an airport lounge?”

Local options

Following the exit of international airlines from Kuwait, the national airline has become the sole option for direct flights to certain European destinations, but the pricey fares continue to be a barrier for many travelers.

Still, it offers unique advantages that are often overlooked, Moustafa said. “The national airline’s policies are much more flexible than most regional competitors,” he said. “It has clear, customer-friendly policies. For example, if you book a non-refundable ticket but had to change your travel plans, you can reschedule your flight within two years of the original booking. That gives travelers peace of mind.” The reasonable cancellation policies and generous baggage allowance make it a good choice, he said.

An insider from the national carrier, speaking on condition of anonymity, offered some insight into why the airline’s prices may be higher than others: Despite partial private ownership, the airline operates under a government-based business model. “It’s not purely profit-driven like private carriers,” the source said. “If it were, you’d probably see cost cuts—maybe cheaper tickets, but at the expense of hotel standards for pilots, onboard service quality, and staff conditions.”

Moustafa pointed out that while many airlines have left Kuwait, overall travel demand from Kuwait remains strong. The current situation has created opportunities for local airlines. With fewer competitors, demand for local carriers has risen, prompting them to introduce more promotions and special offers. “Sometimes surprise discounts are released that significantly reduce ticket prices,” he said.

Eyes on the new terminal

Despite the discounts, regional competitors remain the cheaper option for some destinations, attracting more travelers. Moustafa emphasized that expanding fleet capacity and launching direct routes to more destinations could help local airlines reclaim this market share and better serve the growing demand.

With the new Kuwait International Airport Terminal 2 project underway, Moustafa’s suggestion could soon become reality. One of the engineers involved in the project told Kuwait Times that the airport is expected to attract more international airlines once operational. Designed to handle 25 million passengers annually, the terminal is set to become a major regional hub.

“Once the new terminal opens, we’ll see more flights, which means lower ticket prices and increased passenger traffic. That ripple effect will uplift the entire tourism and aviation sector in Kuwait,” said Moustafa. Although the project has faced some delays, the engineer confirmed that completion is now expected by 2026. Construction is progressing, with work being carried out on the third package, which includes the runway and operational facilities.

In the meantime, the budget airline employee said it’s introducing new European destinations this summer, a move that has received strong positive feedback from travelers and could help fill the void left by the departing European carriers.

Moustafa explained that with this move, people are starting to consider new travel destination like Krakow and Zakopane in Poland. Russia’s popularity has also been on the rise for about two years now, he added. Other trending destinations include Cyprus, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

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410 students benefit from Educational Care Bank project

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KUWAIT: Al-Safa Charitable Society announced that 410 students across various educational stages have benefited from the Educational Care Bank project for the 2024-2025 academic year. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the General Secretariat of Endowments, provided a total of KD 100,000 (approximately $330,000) in educational support within Kuwait. Chairman of Al-Safa’s Board of Directors Mohammad Al-Shaya said in a press statement on Monday that the project reflects a shared commitment to supporting future generations by creating an educational environment free from financial obstacles. He emphasized that the initiative also aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by low-income families amid ongoing economic challenges.

Al-Shaya praised the General Secretariat of Endowments for its continued sponsorship of impactful and innovative projects that serve the community, particularly those focused on education. He noted that the Secretariat’s support for this program underscores its strong belief in education as a cornerstone for societal advancement and sustainable development. He added that Al-Safa Charitable Society, through this partnership, seeks to nurture a knowledgeable and responsible generation capable of contributing meaningfully to national development. The project, he explained, targets students who face difficulty in paying tuition fees, reaffirming the association’s belief in the right to education for all—without discrimination or financial barriers. — KUNA

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97,000 reverts and counting: IPC’s role in spreading Islam

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KUWAIT: Although it has been three months since the end of Ramadan, Islamic da’wah in Kuwait is far from limited to the holy month. Through organizations like the Islam Presentation Committee (IPC) — one of the country’s largest and oldest da’wah institutions — outreach efforts continue year-round. Since its founding in 1987, IPC has helped more than 97,000 people embrace Islam, including 2,702 in the past year alone. With over 3.4 million expatriates living in Kuwait — many from diverse religious backgrounds — the country often becomes more than just a place of work.

For many, it becomes the first space where they encounter Islam in a meaningful way. IPC’s efforts extend beyond traditional settings like mosques and religious centers. Thanks to the organization’s efforts, this Ramadan Kuwait did experience a significant increase in conversions to Islam, marking the highest number of conversions in the past seven years. Approximately 730 individuals from various nationalities embraced Islam by the 29th day of Ramadan.

This achievement is attributed to the efforts of 78 male and female preachers and the success of the “Change Their Lives” campaign, which included lectures and the distribution of preaching materials across the country. Much of IPC’s outreach focuses on laborers and domestic workers, meeting them in everyday environments such as markets, salons, workplaces, hospitals, farms, labor inspection offices, and even deportation centers.

Following initial outreach, new reverts begin a structured learning journey starting with a “Basic Islam” course that covers essential beliefs and practices. As they progress, students can enroll in advanced courses on Quranic interpretation, Tajweed, Islamic jurisprudence, Prophetic biography, and Islamic history — all offered free of charge.

Available in 14 languages

Arabic language classes are also available for non-native speakers, including non-Muslims who wish to understand Islamic texts or culture. IPC also supports lifelong Muslims, recognizing that many — especially those from non-Arabic-speaking countries — may never have had the chance to study Islam formally. “We don’t just teach the students — we create a community for them,” said Haya Alawadhi, head of IPC’s Salmiya branch. “A good circle of friends, emotional support from teachers and staff, and even financial assistance when needed.”

Many new Muslims face personal challenges — including separation from family and friends. IPC responds by fostering a family-like environment where instructors and fellow students offer compassion, inclusion and support. After carefully assessing individual needs, IPC also provides financial aid and job placement assistance to ease the transition. With lectures and materials available in 14 languages, the organization ensures accessibility for newcomers of all backgrounds. In 2024 alone, the committee recorded 8,455 students from 39 nationalities enrolled in its programs.

“We don’t call each other by titles”

“We don’t call each other by titles,” Alawadhi added. “We say ‘sister’ and ‘brother.’ You might find an American sitting next to an Asian or a European, and everyone is treated the same. If someone walks in with bias, it fades once they become part of this place.” To further its reach, IPC has expanded into digital outreach, offering social media campaigns, interactive online lectures, and Islamic content to engage younger audiences and remote learners.

IPC’s da’wah efforts are not limited to blue-collar communities. The organization also engages diplomats, professionals, and high-profile guests, presenting them with traditional Kuwaiti gift boxes that include a translated Quran, a tourism brochure, and Islamic educational materials. In 2024 alone, IPC organized around 881 training courses. Alawadhi also shared that IPC trains new Muslims to become future Islamic educators and preachers. “Some of our most active preachers today were once IPC students who converted to Islam,” she added. IPC runs around 14 branches and centers that are spread across Kuwait’s governorates.

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Oil Ministry highlights nuclear radiation risks, underscores preventive measures

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KUWAIT: The Ministry of Oil affirmed that nuclear radiation remains one of the most serious health and environmental challenges of the modern era, emphasizing Kuwait’s strong commitment to addressing this issue through an integrated regulatory framework, well-structured emergency plans, and advanced scientific monitoring networks covering various regions of the country. These efforts aim to ensure the highest standards of environmental and public health safety.

This statement was made by Sheikha Tamader Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Ministry of Oil, during a health awareness seminar held Monday under the title “Risks and Damages Resulting from Nuclear Reactors and Their Impact on Human Health.” The seminar is part of the ministry’s ongoing initiative to raise community awareness and promote a culture of prevention among oil sector employees.

Sheikha Tamader lauded the efforts of governmental and technical agencies in enhancing public understanding of nuclear radiation dangers and preventive measures. She highlighted the role of such scientific forums in fostering a sustainable preventive culture across both public and private sectors. She added that the Ministry of Oil, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is actively conducting educational programs and specialized workshops to raise awareness about nuclear reactor risks and radiation leakage, while developing national infrastructure for preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear emergencies.

She stressed that prevention begins with awareness, and investing in education, training, and readiness is key to protecting people and the environment. She called for continued support of scientific and awareness initiatives and the strengthening of institutional cooperation among state ministries and regulatory bodies to guarantee community safety and environmental sustainability. In a related address, Salem Al-Azmi, Head of Radiology at the Radiation Protection Department of the Ministry of Health, reviewed the health risks associated with nuclear reactors, their operating mechanisms, and the preventive measures adopted locally and internationally.

Al-Azmi explained that nuclear reactors are among the world’s most important sources of energy due to their ability to generate large amounts of electricity efficiently, but they carry serious health and environmental risks if not managed under strict controls. He described nuclear reactors as power plants that produce electricity through nuclear fission — a process where an atom’s nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing thermal energy that heats a coolant, usually water, to create steam. The steam then drives turbines connected to electric generators.

He noted that while nuclear power plants operate similarly to conventional power plants that burn coal, oil, or natural gas, the primary heat source in nuclear plants is atomic fission. He pointed out that nuclear energy has comparatively low environmental impact on Earth and natural resources.

Al-Azmi outlined the potential environmental hazards in the event of a radioactive leak, such as contamination of air, water, and soil with substances like cesium-137 and iodine-131. However, he reassured that these materials naturally degrade over time and that effective environmental rehabilitation and mitigation plans are in place. He highlighted that potential effects on wildlife and agriculture, including temporary declines in crop and animal quality, can be managed and mitigated through safety protocols and environmental restoration.

Regarding preventive actions, Al-Azmi advised sheltering indoors in well-sealed spaces, which can reduce radiation exposure by half, using closed basements or airtight shelters, and wearing protective masks for the nose and mouth. He also presented information on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear reactor, noting that it is solely dedicated to electricity generation with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts. The reactor operates under full international supervision, is non-military, does not produce nuclear weapons, and is located approximately 280 kilometers east of Kuwait. — KUNA

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