Kuwait has issued a fresh travel alert warning passengers against booking flights with airlines that are not officially authorised to operate in the Gulf country, as authorities move to tighten aviation regulations and protect travellers from fraud and disruptions.
According to Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA), only approved airlines are permitted to conduct flight operations from Kuwait International Airport. The warning comes amid growing concerns over unauthorised carriers allegedly selling tickets without obtaining the required operating permits from Kuwaiti aviation authorities.
PACA spokesperson Abdullah Al Rajhi said travellers should verify airline approvals before making reservations to avoid financial losses and travel complications. The authority stressed that booking with unlicensed airlines could result in cancelled flights, denied boarding, or legal complications for passengers.
Kuwaiti officials confirmed that currently only national carriers, including Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways, are fully authorised to operate flights under existing regulations. Other airlines are still awaiting formal approvals and operational clearance from the aviation authority.
Authorities further revealed that passengers who have already purchased tickets from unauthorised airlines can file complaints through Kuwait’s official Sahel application. The digital platform allows travellers to report violations, seek assistance, and track complaints against airlines and travel agencies involved in unlawful operations.
The aviation regulator warned that strict legal action would be taken against any airline found operating without approval. Officials said the crackdown is part of broader efforts to ensure passenger safety, maintain regulatory compliance, and improve transparency in Kuwait’s aviation sector.
The latest advisory has sparked concern among travellers planning summer vacations and business trips to Kuwait, particularly expatriates and transit passengers who often rely on budget carriers for regional travel. Aviation experts say the warning highlights the importance of checking airline credentials directly through official aviation channels before booking tickets online.
Industry analysts believe Kuwait’s move could also impact travel agencies and third-party booking platforms that advertise flights from carriers lacking official permits.
The alert comes at a time when Middle Eastern aviation authorities are increasing oversight of airline operations following regional airspace disruptions and rising passenger complaints related to flight cancellations and unauthorised ticket sales.
Kuwait’s civil aviation authority reiterated that protecting passenger rights remains a top priority and urged the public to report suspicious travel offers or unapproved airline operations immediately.