Airbus regional vice-president Grainne Van den Berg stated that Middle East airspace closures are extending flight times by 45 to 90 minutes. Airlines are responding by shifting aircraft capacity to alternative markets and rerouting operations through secondary regional airports.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has updated its travel advice for Kuwait amid heightened regional tensions and the risk of sudden escalation. Travellers are advised to prepare for potential flight disruptions, as Kuwait International Airport operates only through Terminals 4 and 5 with reduced schedules while Terminal 1 remains closed.
The United States has reiterated a Level 3 'Reconsider Travel' advisory for Kuwait, citing regional conflict risks and Persian Gulf aviation safety concerns. Travelers using Kuwait International Airport are advised to confirm itineraries directly with airlines, while U.S. government staff require special authorization for domestic travel. The advisory does not order the departure of non-emergency personnel.
Kuwait's aviation authorities have reopened the country's airspace to international overflights under an official NOTAM requiring a minimum altitude of FL280. The measure restores a major transit corridor linking Europe, the Gulf, and Asia, cutting flight times on select routes. Carrier adoption remains inconsistent, with Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways resuming flights while Emirates continues routing around Kuwait.
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