AGP Executive Report

Eid Al-Adha Travel & Safety: Kuwait’s National Cybersecurity Center warned travellers about fake travel websites and scam “deals,” urging bookings only via official platforms. Airport Update: Kuwait International Airport stayed open during the holiday period, with operations focused on Terminals 4 and 5; Terminal 1 is set for a gradual return for Arab and international carriers starting June 1. Holiday Weather: Kuwait’s Meteorology Department forecasts extreme heat and dust-raising winds during Eid, with temperatures rising up to 47–49°C late in the holiday. Connectivity for Kuwaitis: Jazeera Airways launched a Special Eid sale with one-way fares from $48.75 and continues expanding routes, including Kuwait–Luton (from July 8) and Kuwait–Milan Bergamo. Regional Travel Disruption: Airlines suspended parts of Middle East routes amid rising US-Iran conflict risk, with carriers rerouting away from traditional hubs. Hajj Support: Ooredoo Kuwait rolled out a Hajj connectivity and pilgrim “farewell” package at the airport. Tourism Offers Abroad: Sri Lanka introduced free fee-free tourist ETAs for arrivals from 40 countries, including Kuwait, valid for 30 days.

Eid travel push: Jazeera Airways has launched a limited-time Eid and summer sale from Kuwait, with one-way fares starting at $48.75 (KD 15) and bookings open until May 31 for travel through Sept 30. Airport update: Kuwait International Airport is still in phased recovery, with Terminal 4 and Terminal 5 handling most flights while Terminal 1 remains under repair—so travellers are urged to confirm airline details before heading in. Safety warning: Kuwait’s National Cybersecurity Center warns of fake travel websites and “too-good-to-be-true” booking offers targeting holidaymakers. Holiday logistics: Kuwait released all police officers held in disciplinary detention ahead of Eid al-Adha. Weather: Meteorology forecasts extreme heat and dust-raising winds during Eid, with temperatures climbing from 42–44°C to 47–49°C by late week. Regional travel buzz: Sri Lanka now offers fee-free tourist ETAs for arrivals from 40 countries, including Kuwait. Regional context: Iran–US tensions continue to ripple across the Gulf, with fresh strikes reported.

Eid security update: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior says all police officers held in disciplinary detention have been released ahead of Eid al-Adha, after a decision that their time served was enough. Eid dates: Eid ul Adha 2026 is expected to fall on May 27 in many countries, with some observing it on May 28. Airport status: Kuwait International Airport remains open with a phased recovery—commercial flights are running mainly through Terminals 4 and 5, while Terminal 1 is still under repair, so travellers should confirm terminal and schedules with their airlines. Travel safety warning: Kuwait’s National Cybersecurity Center cautioned holidaymakers about fake travel websites and “too-good” flight offers that can lead to online fraud. Connectivity: Jazeera Airways has launched Kuwait–Milan Bergamo flights, and it also plans a new Kuwait–London Luton direct route starting July 8. Weather: Kuwait is bracing for extreme heat and dust-raising winds during the Eid period, with temperatures climbing into the high 40s Celsius. Regional backdrop: U.S.-Iran tensions continue with renewed strikes and claims of drone incidents, keeping travel uncertainty in the wider region.

Memorial Day in the spotlight: Kuwait-linked grief is hitting hard in the US as communities honor fallen service members tied to the Iran conflict, including Master Sgt. Nicole Amor and others remembered in ceremonies this week. Eid travel reality check: Kuwait’s Meteorology Department warns of extreme heat and dust-raising winds during Eid Al-Adha, with temperatures climbing from the low-40s to near 49°C by late week. Airline expansion: Kuwait Airways is ramping up summer flying, launching 12 new destinations (including Alexandria, Sarajevo, Malaga and Zurich) and planning about 728 weekly flights in June, while also working through past refund delays after regional disruptions. More regional connectivity: Air Arabia Egypt adds Alexandria–Amman non-stop flights from June 15. Visa perk for holiday planners: Sri Lanka rolls out a free tourist ETA for nationals of 40 countries (including Kuwait) for up to 30 days, starting May 25. Kuwait–Azerbaijan ties: Azerbaijan’s embassy highlights growing tourism and cooperation, citing 32,000 Kuwaiti visitors in 2025.

Kuwait Airways Summer Push: Kuwait Airways says it will launch 12 new summer destinations from June—Sarajevo, Malaga, Alexandria, Sharm El Sheikh, Salalah, Nice, Vienna, Antalya, Bodrum, Trabzon, Mykonos and Zurich—taking its network to 54, with more routes planned after approvals. Eid Weather Alert: Kuwait’s Met office warns of extremely hot conditions and dust-raising northwesterly winds during Eid Al-Adha, with temperatures climbing from 42–44°C to 47–49°C by Thursday–Friday. Regional Travel Links: Air Arabia Egypt will start non-stop Alexandria–Amman flights on June 15 (four weekly). More Flights, More Demand: Kuwait Airways also plans about 728 weekly flights in June as refunds continue after the Feb 28 disruptions. Bangladesh–Kuwait Solidarity: Bangladesh handed over a goodwill food consignment to Kuwait as ties expand across manpower, aviation and tourism. Visa Ease for Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka now offers a free 30-day ETA to citizens of 40 countries including Kuwait, starting May 25.

Kuwait Airways Expansion: Kuwait Airways says it will fly about 728 weekly flights in June to 58 destinations, up from roughly 420 flights to 45, after approvals—while refund processing is still catching up after ~500,000 ticket cancellations since Feb 28. Eid Travel Demand: Hotels across the region are reporting a strong Eid Al Adha booking push, with families driving demand and more staycation-style packages. New Routes from Kuwait: Jazeera Airways is rolling out more Europe links—London Luton direct from July 8 (4 weekly, then daily from Aug 1) and earlier Kuwait–Milan Bergamo service. Local Culture & Leisure: Kuwait revived the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre fountain with daily music-and-laser shows, and the JACC is back on schedule. Digital Eidiya: Weyay Bank launched digital Eidiya via Wamd and “Eidiya Link” during Eid. Bangladesh–Kuwait Solidarity: Bangladesh handed Kuwait a 240-ton goodwill food consignment amid regional supply strain. Visa Ease for Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka offers free 30-day ETA tourist visas for eligible travelers from Kuwait and other selected countries—ETA is still required before arrival.

Airline Boost: Jazeera Airways is launching Kuwait–London Luton direct flights from July 8 (4 weekly), ramping to daily from Aug 1, with fares starting from KD 239 round trip. Big Summer Capacity: Kuwait Airways says it will expand to about 728 weekly flights in June to 58 destinations—up from roughly 420 flights to 45—while also working through a large post-Feb 28 cancellation/refund backlog. Digital Eid Convenience: Weyay Bank rolls out “digital Eidiya” on its app for Eid Al-Adha, letting users send and receive instantly via Wamd and “Eidiya Link.” Eid Logistics on the Ground: PAFN confirms authorized slaughterhouses are ready for Eid sacrifice, expecting a 15–20% rise in animal numbers. Health Watch: Kuwait reiterates there are no Ebola cases, but says border screening and monitoring have been stepped up. Sports & Culture: Burgan Club and Kuwait Club continue handball preparations for the Asian Club Championship in Kuwait (June 6–15), while the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre fountain show reopens with daily performances.

Hajj Operations in Focus: Kuwait’s DGCA says all pilgrim departure flights to Saudi Arabia went out smoothly under the Hajj operational plan, with return flights for Kuwaiti pilgrims set to run May 30–31. Airport Update: Kuwait is moving toward full foreign-airline service again—DGCA says all foreign airlines will resume from Terminal 1 starting June 1 after maintenance and system upgrades. Eid Travel Mood (Bahrain): Bahrainis are shifting to shorter, safer GCC trips for Eid Al Adha, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi leading while pricier options like Türkiye cool off. Connectivity Boost: flydubai and Cyprus Airways launched an interline deal via Dubai (DXB), letting passengers book one itinerary to destinations including Kuwait City. Health Alert: Kuwait reiterates there are no Ebola cases, but border screening and monitoring have been heightened. Gold Watch: Gold prices across the Gulf were steady on May 24, with demand for jewellery and investment bars holding up.

Hajj Travel Update: Kuwait’s DGCA says all Hajj outbound flights carrying pilgrims to Saudi Arabia departed smoothly, with procedures handled through close coordination with Interior, Islamic Affairs, Customs, Kuwait Hajj campaigns and airport ground teams; Return Flights: return operations for Kuwaiti pilgrims from Makkah start May 30 and run to May 31 under the approved schedule; Airport Access: Kuwait also confirmed all foreign airline services will resume from June 1 as Terminal 1 ramps up after maintenance and upgrades; Connectivity Boost: flydubai and Cyprus Airways launched a new interline deal letting passengers book one itinerary via Dubai (DXB), including onward access to Kuwait; Health Alert: Kuwait reiterated there are no Ebola cases, while border screening and thermal checks have been heightened.

Airport Update: Kuwait says all foreign airline services will resume from June 1, with Terminal 1 operations returning to full capacity after maintenance and system upgrades following the Feb. 28 closure. Health Alert: Kuwait confirms no Ebola cases, but has tightened border screening and advised against travel to Uganda, South Sudan, and the DRC. Connectivity Boost: flydubai and Cyprus Airways launch an interline partnership for smoother one-itinerary travel via Dubai (DXB), including onward access to Kuwait and a wider network across the region. Regional Travel Risk: Iran has closed western airspace until a set date, prompting reroutes and more frequent flight schedule checks for travellers. Diplomatic/People Movement: Bangladesh will send its first food consignment to Kuwait on May 25 as a goodwill gesture. Ongoing Pressure Point: The Strait of Hormuz dispute continues to disrupt shipping and travel planning across the Gulf.

Humanitarian Aid: Bangladesh will send Kuwait its first food consignment on 25 May—240 tonnes delivered via multiple flights—after a high-level delegation arrives in Kuwait on 24 May to hand over the gift. Connectivity Boost: flydubai and Cyprus Airways signed an interline deal letting passengers book one itinerary with coordinated baggage and easier transfers via Dubai (including connections to Kuwait). Regional Travel Pressure: Hormuz stalemate is now close to three months, leaving about 1,000 vessels and 20,000 seafarers stranded, while both sides trade blame over control and safe-transit proposals. Health Screening: Kuwait has intensified border precautions for Ebola concerns (no cases reported inside Kuwait), with thermal checks and advice to avoid travel to affected African countries. Trade & Tourism: the UK-GCC free trade agreement has been concluded, while Thailand is tightening visa-free rules—cutting stays for many nationalities to 30 days. Airport Status: Kuwait International Airport is open again with phased recovery continuing, and Jazeera is resuming direct flights to Aleppo from 25 June.

UK–GCC Trade Deal: The UK and GCC have concluded long-running Free Trade Agreement talks, with the UK set to become the first G7 country to strike a deal with the bloc—promising a major boost for Kuwait’s trade and investment links. Ebola Alert at Borders: Kuwait’s health ministry says there are no Ebola cases inside the country, but it has intensified screening and surveillance at ports and urged travel avoidance to Uganda, South Sudan and the DRC. Accessibility Push: Zain Kuwait is rolling out the country’s first digital and policy accessibility audit to improve access across apps, websites, communications and HR systems. Travel Rules Watch: Kuwait customs is reminding travellers that carrying KD3,000+ in cash or negotiable instruments must be declared—no splitting money across bags or family members. Eid Logistics: Kuwait government offices will close for Eid al-Adha and Arafat Day from May 26 to May 31, with services resuming June 1. Visa Update Abroad: Thailand is cutting visa-free stays for 90+ countries to 30 days, citing crime and illegal work concerns.

UK–GCC Trade Boost: The UK and GCC have concluded talks on a modern Free Trade Agreement, with the UK calling it the first GCC–G7 deal and saying it will cut barriers for goods, services, investment and even professional mobility—big news for Kuwait–UK business links. Aviation Recovery Watch: Kuwait International Airport is open again as phased recovery continues after the drone-strike closure, and Jazeera has announced direct flights to Aleppo from June 25. Security & Borders: Kuwait has sent IRGC-linked suspects to court over alleged illegal maritime entry and infiltration of a prohibited military zone. Travel Rules at Home: Customs warns anyone carrying KD3,000+ in cash/negotiable instruments to declare it—no splitting across bags or relatives. Eid Logistics: Kuwait government offices will close for Eid al-Adha/Arafat Day (26–31 May, with some entities setting special schedules). Health Alert: Kuwait Health Ministry says border monitoring is intensified over Ebola outbreaks in parts of Africa, even though no cases have been recorded locally.

Eid travel & airport update: Kuwait’s Eidul Adha prayers are set for 5:05am, with 8,400 pilgrims scheduled to depart for hajj from Terminal 4 (T4), while Kuwait’s government offices shut for Eid and the Civil Service Commission confirms work suspension from May 26–31 (resuming June 1). Local travel operations: Kuwait International Airport is still in phased recovery, running commercial flights under a gradual reopening plan after earlier closure. Gulf trade momentum: The UK–GCC free trade deal is now sealed, with Saudi–UK trade projected to rise and tariffs on key UK goods expected to be cut. Regional resilience: A PwC report says the UAE is holding up better than some GCC states thanks to alternative export routes despite Strait of Hormuz disruption. Work & migration watch: Kuwait’s work permit transfer rules for 2026 continue to draw attention, while India’s Andhra CM orders urgent steps to repatriate a woman stranded in Kuwait over alleged harassment.

Kuwait Airport Recovery: Kuwait International Airport is still in phased reopening mode, with commercial flights running at limited capacity (about 40 flights/day) and Terminal 1 largely offline while repairs continue. Eidul Adha Break: Kuwait’s Cabinet has set Eidul Adha and Arafat Day holidays for May 26–31, with public offices closed May 26–29 and the weekend May 30–31, resuming June 1. Hajj Operations: Kuwait’s civil aviation authority says 63 flights will run for the Hajj season, moving about 8,400 pilgrims and administrators from Terminal 4, with return flights May 30–31. Safety at the Border: Customs at Al-Abdali stopped five travelers trying to exit with forged transit documents, launching legal action. Worker Rescue Appeal: Andhra Pradesh’s CM ordered urgent steps to help a Tirupati woman facing alleged harassment in Kuwait return safely to India. Travel Watch: Thailand is tightening visa-free rules, cutting longer stays for many nationalities—something travelers planning around the region should note.

Gulf Cup Draw: Kuwait’s group is set for the 27th Gulf Cup in Jeddah—Kuwait joins Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Oman in Group A, while Bahrain, UAE, Qatar and Yemen make up Group B, with the tournament running Sept 23–Oct 6. Eid Al-Adha Holiday: Kuwait’s Cabinet has approved a six-day public holiday for Eid Al-Adha and Arafat Day from May 26 to May 31, with work resuming June 1. Eid Slaughter Readiness: PAFN says all authorized slaughterhouses are fully prepared, with set operating hours and sanitation breaks during the holiday. Airport Update: Kuwait International Airport is still in phased recovery, handling limited flights (about 10% of normal) as terminals reopen gradually after drone-strike damage. Border Crackdown: Customs at Al-Abdali stopped five travelers using forged transit documents and launched legal procedures. Travel Deals & Openings: Alshaya and Hilton launched a GCC loyalty partnership, and Ascott is opening Citadines Sharq Kuwait.