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Kuwait International Airport KWI

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Kuwait International Airport (KWI) Guide

Embark on your journey through Kuwait International Airport (KWI), a hub not just for Kuwait but also for its neighbors, renowned for its unique architecture that mirrors the country's modernity and heritage. This concise guide aims to streamline your airport experience, from arrival to departure.

For everything from flight updates to dining options, check out the Comprehensive Airport Guide. It's your one-stop resource for navigating KWI with terminal maps, flight tracking, and more, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Is Farwiniyah Airport (KWI) airport a bit unfamiliar to you? Look no further than iFly.com for insightful tips and advice. Read on!

The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 has 20 gates and is used by major airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways. Terminal 2 has 8 gates and is used by low-cost airlines such as FlyDubai and Jazeera Airways. Both terminals are connected by a shuttle bus service that operates every 10 minutes.

Upon arrival at the airport, passengers can check the flight information display screens to determine which terminal their flight is departing from. Each terminal has a variety of shops, restaurants, and services available for passengers to enjoy before their flight. Passengers can also take advantage of the airport's free Wi-Fi and charging stations located throughout the terminals.

When navigating the terminals, passengers should follow the signs and directions provided to locate their airline's check-in counters and departure gates. Passengers can also ask for assistance from airport staff if needed.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

At Kuwait International Airport, passengers can easily get between terminals by using the shuttle bus service provided by the airport. The shuttle bus runs every 10-15 minutes and is free of charge. The travel time between terminals is approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic.

If you prefer to walk, the distance between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is around 1.5 kilometers and takes approximately 15-20 minutes. However, it is important to note that walking between terminals is not recommended during the hot summer months due to the high temperatures in Kuwait.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At the airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at designated curbside areas outside of the terminals. However, curbside parking is strictly prohibited, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers must stay with their vehicles at all times while waiting for passengers.

For those who need to wait for arriving passengers, the airport provides cell-phone waiting areas where drivers can park and wait until their passengers are ready to be picked up. These waiting areas are located near the terminals and are free for up to 30 minutes. Drivers are not allowed to leave their vehicles unattended in these areas.

Parking Facilities & Options

Kuwait International Airport offers a variety of parking options to suit the needs of all travelers. There are multiple parking lots and garages located within walking distance of the terminals, making it easy to park and catch your flight. Additionally, there are cell phone waiting areas available for those who are picking up passengers.

For travelers with disabilities, there are designated handicapped parking spaces located near the terminals for easy access. These spaces are clearly marked and located in close proximity to the entrances.

If you're looking for an economical parking option, off-airport parking is available. These lots are located a short distance from the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminals. This can be a great way to save money on parking fees.

Get details about Kuwait City Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

When arriving at KWI, travelers have several options for ground transportation. One of the most popular options is renting a car, with major providers such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz available at the airport. It is recommended to book a car in advance to ensure availability and to save time upon arrival.

Taxi services are also available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside of the arrivals terminal. Fares are typically fixed and can vary depending on the destination. It is important to note that taxis are not allowed to pick up passengers from the airport, only drop off.

For those looking for a more cost-effective option, shared ride services such as Uber and Careem are available with designated pickup areas outside of the arrivals terminal. However, it is important to note that these services may have restrictions on certain destinations and may not be available at all times.

Airport shuttles are also available, providing transportation to and from major hotels in the area. Pickup areas are located outside of the arrivals terminal and fares vary depending on the destination.

Finally, public transportation options such as buses and trains are available for those looking for a more budget-friendly option. Buses run regularly from the airport to various destinations in the city, while trains provide transportation to nearby areas such as Fahaheel and Farwaniya.

Airport Hotels

Are you planning a trip and looking for the perfect place to stay near the airport? We have a comprehensive guide to some of the best hotels located conveniently close to the airport. Our list includes a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels like the Grand Hyatt Kuwait and the Waldorf Astoria Kuwait to family-friendly apartments like the Sara Palace Apartments. All of these accommodations offer amenities such as complimentary WiFi, private parking facilities, and well-equipped fitness centers. Check out our Kuwait Airport Hotels for more information.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Travelers passing through Kuwait City Airport will find a variety of dining and shopping options to choose from. For a quick bite, head to Starbucks or Costa Coffee, both located in the Departures area. For a more substantial meal, check out the international cuisine at Le Pain Quotidien or the Middle Eastern fare at Al-Fursan. These restaurants can be found in the Departures area as well.

Shoppers will also find plenty to browse at KWI. The Duty Free store offers a wide selection of luxury goods, including perfumes, cosmetics, and electronics. For souvenirs and gifts, head to the Kuwait Market, located in the Departures area. Here you'll find traditional handicrafts, clothing, and accessories.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at KWI Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, plan your visit using this guide.

Passenger Services

KWI Airport (KWI) offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi access is available throughout the airport. If you have lost an item, head to the lost and found office located in the arrivals area of Terminal 1.

Traveling with children? There are designated play areas in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to keep your little ones entertained. Special-needs services are also available, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

For your banking needs, there are several ATMs and currency exchange offices located throughout the airport. If you require medical assistance, there is a medical center located in the arrivals area of Terminal 1.

Overall, the airport strives to provide excellent passenger services to ensure a stress-free travel experience.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay informed about the status of your flight departure. Luckily, there are several ways to get flight status updates at Kuwait International Airport.

One way is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time information about flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply find the display for your airline and flight number, and check the status of your flight.

Another way to stay informed is to download your airline's mobile phone app. Many airlines offer apps that allow passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via text, email, or push notifications. Simply download the app, enter your flight information, and enable notifications.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Kuwait City Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended to arrive at Kuwait International Airport at least 3 hours before your flight's departure time. This will allow you enough time to check-in, clear security, and navigate the airport without feeling rushed. The airport tends to be busiest during the early morning and late evening hours, so it is best to avoid arriving during these times if possible.

Getting to the Airport

Kuwait City Airport is located approximately 15.5 miles(25 km) south of Kuwait City. The best way to get to the airport is by taxi or private car. Taxis are readily available throughout the city and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. If you prefer to drive yourself, there are several car rental companies located in Kuwait City that offer affordable rates.

Getting Oriented

KWI can be a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors. To help you get oriented, be sure to check out iFly.com's interactive airport maps. These maps provide detailed information about the airport's layout, including the location of gates, check-in counters, and restaurants. You can also use the maps to find your way to baggage claim and ground transportation.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at KWI Airport, be sure to arrive early and allow plenty of time to navigate the airport. It is also a good idea to check your flight status before leaving for the airport to ensure that there are no unexpected delays or cancellations. If you do experience a delay, be sure to stay informed by checking the airport's flight information displays and listening for announcements. Additionally, make sure to pack your carry-on bag according to TSA guidelines to avoid any delays during the security screening process.

Airport Facts & Stats

KWI is the primary airport serving Kuwait. It is located in Farwaniya, about 15.5 kilometers south of Kuwait City. The airport has a total of 3 terminals, with Terminal 1 serving international flights, Terminal 2 serving low-cost carrier flights, and Terminal 3 serving Kuwait Airways flights.

On average, KWI Airport handles around 18,000 passengers daily, with an average of 150 daily flights. The airport serves over 50 destinations worldwide, with the top 5 destinations being Dubai, Istanbul, Doha, Mumbai, and Cairo.

The airport is home to several major airlines, including Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, and Flydubai. Kuwait Airways uses KWI as its hub airport, with over 50% of its flights operating out of Terminal 3.

Airport History

The airport is the main airport of Kuwait and is located in Farwaniya, about 15.5 kilometers south of Kuwait City. The airport has a rich history that dates back to the early 1920s when it was first established as a small airfield.

Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • In 1927, the British Royal Air Force built a military airfield at the site of the current airport.
  • In 1932, the first commercial flight, operated by British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), landed at the airport.
  • In 1950, the airport was officially opened as a civilian airport, and the first passenger terminal was built.
  • In 1962, the airport underwent a major expansion, which included the construction of a new runway and a new passenger terminal.
  • In 1994, the airport underwent another major expansion, which included the construction of a new terminal building and the addition of several new facilities, such as a duty-free shopping area and a business center.
  • In 2018, the airport completed a major renovation project, which included the expansion of the airport's capacity to handle up to 25 million passengers per year.

Today, Kuwait International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the Middle East, serving millions of passengers each year and connecting Kuwait to destinations around the world.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Kuwait International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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