Latest news with #KuwaitInternationalAirport


Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Pilgrims Depart In Peace As Kuwait Executes Flawless Hajj Plan
KUWAIT CITY, May 30: The Hajj season officially commenced this morning as the first groups of Kuwaiti pilgrims departed from Kuwait International Airport through Terminals 1 and 4, bound for the Holy Land. The spiritual journey began with a sense of serenity and efficiency, reflecting months of careful planning and coordination by relevant authorities. Kuwait Airways and Saudi Airlines operated the initial flights, carrying approximately 200 pilgrims on each, with the first Kuwait Airways flight from Terminal 4 heading to Jeddah. The departure lounges were filled with an atmosphere of devotion, as families bid emotional farewells to their loved ones embarking on this sacred journey. In a statement by Mansour Al-Hashemi, Director of Operations at Kuwait Airport under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), it was confirmed that two flights took off this morning, marking the beginning of Hajj pilgrimage operations. A total of 36 flights are scheduled to depart by the end of Monday, transporting nearly 8,000 Kuwaiti pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Al-Hashemi outlined the DGCA's extensive preparations, which include deploying field teams from the Operations Department in coordination with the Ministries of Awqaf, Health, and Interior, as well as Customs and ground service providers. These teams are tasked with guiding and assisting pilgrims throughout the departure process. To streamline the experience, authorities have implemented several measures: special counters have been designated for pilgrims, boarding passes are being distributed in advance or upon arrival at the airport, and customs procedures have been expedited to avoid delays and congestion. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has also set up dedicated booths in the departure halls to distribute informational brochures, educating pilgrims on the rituals of Hajj and ensuring they are well-prepared for the spiritual experience. Pilgrims interviewed by Al-Seyassah expressed appreciation for the smooth and highly organized procedures, praising the high standards of care and planning. The efforts by all involved agencies aim to ensure that the "Guests of God" begin their journey with comfort, safety, and peace of mind.


Arab Times
24-05-2025
- Arab Times
Air bridge will be launched to carry 8,000 Hajj pilgrims
KUWAIT CITY, May 24: An air bridge will be launched early next week to transport 8,000 pilgrims to the Holy Land. Sources told the newspaper that extensive preparations are underway by Hajj caravans, which have begun receiving the pilgrims' luggage in preparation for their transportation by land, as part of the organizational arrangements for the start of the season. Sources affirmed that all relevant authorities, particularly those operating at Kuwait International Airport, are continuing their efforts to ensure smooth procedures and the comfort of pilgrims. They said coordination is ongoing with the airlines and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to launch Hajj flights according to the timetables. They stated that the airport authorities have developed a comprehensive plan based on numerous regulations aimed at facilitating the movement of pilgrims from their arrival at the airport until they board the plane. Sources pointed out that the agencies are keen on developing work in the operational sectors, as the operating system was verified in order to simplify procedures to facilitate matters for pilgrims. They also confirmed the completion of all preparations for the Hajj season through an operational plan of flights in cooperation with Kuwaiti caravans and airlines.

Kuwait Times
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Triumphant return of gymnastics team from West Asia
AMMAN: The artistic gymnastics team for youth, juniors and girls returned home after concluding its successful participation in the West Asian Gymnastics Championship, which was held in the Jordanian capital Amman, during which Kuwait's heroes and heroines won 32 medals, 17 gold, 6 silver and 9 bronze, in a new achievement for Kuwait gymnastics. The delegation received a distinguished reception at Kuwait International Airport, led by the President of the Arab and Kuwait Gymnastics Federations, Fahad Al-Soula, the Secretary of Kuwait Federation, Abdullatif Murad, and board member and head of the women's committee, Hessa Al-Sanea, in addition to the parents of the athletes, who decorated them with bouquets of flowers upon their arrival to celebrate this outstanding achievement. Al-Soula expressed his great pride in the results achieved by Kuwait's heroes and heroines, praising the efforts and generosity of the players and all members of the technical and administrative staff of the national teams. He dedicated this achievement to the political leadership and Kuwait sports family, praising the support of the Public Authority for Sport and the Kuwait Olympic Committee and their keenness to overcome any difficulties facing the national teams. For his part, Abdullatif Murad praised this achievement, which came as a culmination of great efforts exerted by the players throughout the preparation phase of the tournament, stressing that Kuwait's heroes and heroines were all up to the responsibility in this important merit despite their young age. The Secretary of the Federation congratulated the players and their parents on this wonderful achievement, adding that the parents of the players are partners of success and deserve to be saluted and honored for their support of the Federation and their support and encouragement of their children. Murad said that the federation still suffers from the lack of capabilities and components on which the game is based, as it does not yet have a gymnastics hall or modern equipment to help players develop their level, explaining that the federation relies on foreign camps in countries that are advanced in the sport of gymnastics. Murad stated that the Federation has been trying for 4 years to provide a hall to hold local competitions and train the artistic, rhythmic gymnastics teams, but all attempts have not yielded results, hoping that the Public Authority for sport will find a quick solution to this issue, which burdens the work of the Federation despite the fact that the sport of gymnastics has made many achievements in the name of Kuwait in the past period and with exceptional efforts from the members of the game. For her part, Hessa Al-Sanea congratulated the Kuwaiti delegation participating in the West Asian Championship, adding that it is the first time that Kuwaiti players participate in an official artistic gymnastics championship, adding that the players gained great confidence in themselves and showed a great level of challenge in this competition despite the strength of the competition from the participating teams. Abdullah Behbehani, the star of the youth team, alone won 7 gold medals in the general individual category, pommel horse, floor exercise, table vault, parallel and heptathlon, while Behbehani participated with Mousa Al-Sahaf, Saud Al-Rudaini, Saud Al-Sanawi and Ali Abdul Hadi in achieving team gold (youth and junior mixed), while the team that included Al-Sahaf, Al-Rudaini, Al-Sanawi, Ali and Hussein Abdul Hadi won the gold in the junior category. In the junior category, Al-Sahaf won gold in the pommel horse competition and silver in the general individual, while Al-Rudaini won three golds in the general individual, pommel horse and parallel, silver in the jumping table and bronze in the aqla, while Ali Abdulhadi won silver in the aqla. In the girls' division, Fatima Al-Nama won two silvers in the balance beam and vaulting table and three bronzes in the general individual, floor exercise and parallel, in the U14 category, while Dana Ali won a gold in the floor exercise and a bronze in the vaulting table in the U12 category. Nour Al Loughani won bronze in floor exercise and balance beam (in HP1), Nawal Al Zamil won gold in vault (in HP2), Sarah Al Qattan won gold in floor exercise (in HP2), and Shahahah Al Mulla won silver in floor exercise and bronze in parallel bars. The team, which included Mariam Al Khalifa, Nawal Al Zamil, Sara Al Qattan, Shahah Al Mulla and Dalal Al Serafi, won gold in the HP1, HP2 and HP3 stages. It is worth mentioning that the tournament witnessed the participation of 7 countries: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Syria, Lebanon and Palestine, in addition to Kuwait and host Jordan.


Arab Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait gymnastics delegation celebrated after West Asian success
KUWAIT CITY, May 20: Kuwait's artistic gymnastics teams for youth, juniors, and girls have returned home in triumph after a stellar performance at the West Asian Gymnastics Championships, held in Amman, Jordan. The Kuwaiti delegation concluded the tournament with a total of 32 medals, including 1 gold, 6 silver, and 9 bronze, marking a major milestone in the country's gymnastics history. A celebratory reception was held at Kuwait International Airport to welcome the team. Leading the reception were Fahad Al-Soula, President of the Arab and Kuwaiti Gymnastics Federations; Abdul Latif Murad, Secretary-General of the Kuwait Gymnastics Federation; and Hessa Al-Sanea, Board Member and Chairwoman of the Women's Committee. Parents of the athletes were also present and were honored with flower bouquets as part of the celebration. Al-Soula expressed immense pride in the achievements of the national team, commending the dedication of the athletes and the efforts of the technical and administrative staff. He dedicated the victory to Kuwait's political leadership and the broader sporting community, acknowledging the continued support of the Public Authority for Sport and the Kuwait Olympic Committee in overcoming challenges faced by the federation. Secretary-General Abdul Latif Murad hailed the achievement as the result of rigorous preparation and strong commitment from the athletes, both male and female. He emphasized that despite their young age, the players rose to the occasion and demonstrated exceptional performance on the international stage. Murad also highlighted ongoing challenges facing the federation. 'We are still lacking essential infrastructure,' he said, noting the absence of a dedicated gymnastics facility and up-to-date equipment necessary for skill development. As a result, the federation continues to depend on international training camps in countries with advanced gymnastics programs.


Trade Arabia
18-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Kuwait Airways takes delivery of first Airbus A321neo aircraft
The national carrier, Kuwait Airways, took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo, named Al-Mutlaa, at the Kuwait International Airport, reported Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). In statement to KUNA and Kuwait TV, Kuwait Airways Chairman Captain Abdulmohsen Alfagaan pointed out that Al Mutlaa is one of nine A321neo aircraft on order with the European plane-maker for Kuwait Airways. He described the delivery as a milestone in the company's fleet expansion efforts. Alfagaan noted that Kuwait Airways' A321neo features a spacious and modern cabin with 166 seats across two classes - 16 full-flat business class seats offering premium comfort and 150 economy class seats designed for enhanced passenger space. It is also equipped with modern amenities like in-flight entertainment featuring 4K screens, he added. He shed lights on the new aircraft's economic advantages, particularly in maintenance and fuel efficiency, as it consumes less fuel by 20 per cent. Alfagaan stated that the aircraft is expected to enter service shortly, and the remaining aircraft from the order are anticipated to be delivered soon. Additionally, senior officials from Rolls-Royce convened in Derby, England, to discuss engine system development and support for Kuwait Airways. The Chairman attributed this achievement to the unwavering support of Kuwait's political leadership, and the collaborative efforts of various national entities. British Ambassador to Kuwait, Belinda Lewis, recently visited the Rolls-Royce production facility in Derby, known for manufacturing engines for wide-body Airbus models, and the Airbus facility in Toulouse, France. She admired the advanced European aviation technology that fosters the creation of environmentally friendly and comfortable aircraft.