Kuwait Airways CEO Let Go After 14 Airlines Exit Intl Hub

If you've flown in or out of Kuwait recently, you’ve probably noticed it’s not always smooth sailing. Long lines, old terminals, and fewer flight options can leave travelers wondering what’s going on, especially when nearby hubs like Dubai and Doha offer world-class facilities and connectivity.

Turns out, this isn’t just bad luck. According to aviation experts, Kuwait’s aviation sector is facing deeper problems that are pushing airlines away and stalling growth.

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A Shake-Up at the Top

Last week, Kuwait Airways dismissed CEO Ahmad Al-Kreebani. His exit came just as 14 major international airlines either pulled out of Kuwait International Airport or reduced their operations,despite continuing to expand elsewhere in the region.

Among those leaving: British Airways, which ended its daily Kuwait service in March after more than 60 years. It followed similar moves by Lufthansa in September and KLM before that.

Why Are Airlines Leaving?

Saj Ahmad, Chief Analyst at StrategicAero Research, summed it up bluntly: “Unless someone specifically travels to Kuwait, there’s little to no reason to transit or serve the country.”

He pointed out that Kuwait lacks the population, demand, and connectivity of other Gulf hubs. Airlines simply make more money operating elsewhere.

More Than Just a CEO Problem

According to Linus Benjamin Bauer, Founder of Bauer Aviation Advisory, Kuwait's aviation struggles go beyond one executive. He described a pattern of “institutional inertia, regulatory bottlenecks, and inconsistent leadership” that continues to weigh down progress.

Al-Kreebani’s dismissal in May 2025, after just two years in the role, followed pressure from Kuwait’s aviation regulator. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) cited repeated failures to meet safety and regulatory standards. Bauer called it a sign of a “deeper governance vacuum” at the national airline.

Frequent Leadership Changes

Analysts say Kuwait Airways has been plagued by revolving leadership, weakening its credibility with international partners and creating instability across the board. There’s also an unclear relationship with regulators, some say the government meddles too much, others say not enough.

The airline’s board has also been criticized for being weak and lacking independence.

No Teamwork in the Skies

Instead of working together, Kuwait’s two main airlines, state-owned Kuwait Airways and privately-owned Jazeera Airways, compete for the same limited market. They operate under completely different models and strategies, with little coordination and no national aviation plan to align their goals.

Terminal Trouble

Then there’s the infrastructure issue. Terminal 2, meant to be Kuwait’s shiny new gateway, is still under construction, years behind schedule and over budget. Jazeera Airways even built its own terminal just to avoid delays tied to public sector mismanagement.

Right now, airlines operating in Kuwait don’t have clear gate assignments or consistent service standards, frustrating for both passengers and crews.

Slow and Complicated Rules

Getting approvals for new routes or landing slots can be a slow and frustrating process in Kuwait. Meanwhile, neighboring countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have modernized their aviation policies and opened up their skies.

No Clear Strategy

Perhaps the biggest issue? Kuwait doesn’t seem to know what it wants from its aviation industry. Does it want to be a hub like Dubai, a tourism gateway like Qatar, or just serve domestic needs? Without a clear vision, progress stalls.

What’s Driving Airlines Away?

Bauer’s firm, Bauer Aviation Advisory, outlined the biggest red flags pushing carriers out:

• Old terminals and overcrowding
• No clear gate assignments or service consistency
• Lack of premium lounges and poor transit facilities
• Limited connecting traffic and low yields
• Slow, opaque regulatory processes
• Weak tourism policies and restrictive visa rules

The Bottom Line

While other Gulf states race ahead with record tourism numbers and expanding aviation footprints, Kuwait is stuck on the tarmac. Unless serious reforms are made, starting with leadership stability, infrastructure upgrades, and a national aviation strategy, more airlines may decide Kuwait just isn’t worth the landing slot.