feature feature KUWAIT

aced with constant traffic growth Airways’ Handley Page 42s an intermediate after the Kuwait Government doubled its and the need to compete against the refuelling stop on their long and exhausting capital and took 50% of the shares. formidable airports in the Gulf region, UK- flights; they started to use the In 1960 a group of Kuwaiti business notably in the UAE, Kuwait’s Directorate facility in 1932. magnates established Trans Arabia Airways, FGeneral of Civil Aviation announced in With the discovery of oil fields two years an independent flying four Douglas October 2011, that a new 900 million Kuwaiti later, a new chapter opened for the country DC-6s. The following year – when Kuwait Dinar ($3.2bn) terminal would be built at with the foundation of Kuwait Oil Company gained independence – the first phase of Kuwait International Airport (KWI). Limited (KOC). The likelihood of increased the current airport in Farwaniyah became Designed by Foster + Partners in association business travel to Kuwait led to plans to build operational. The new airport, built to cater with Gulf Consult, the new terminal is planned a better airport, but the idea was suspended for rising demand, had a modern passenger for completion by 2016, increasing the in 1939 with the outbreak of World War terminal, a 7,218ft (2,200m) asphalt runway, airport’s capacity to 13mppa in its first phase Two and only resumed in 1947-48 when parking apron and control tower equipped – sufficient for ten years if current growth KOC started to develop the new Al-Nugra to handle operations 24 hours a day. rates are maintained – with the option of (Al-Mayass) Airport in the Nuzha district. In 1962 the Kuwait Government acquired further expansions up to 25mppa and even The facility had a concrete terminal and full ownership of KAC, followed two years Kuwait 50mppa in a third and final phase. a hangar, although the ticket offices were later by the acquisition of Trans Arabia The airport, the Arab nation’s sole aerial in . The airport operated in which was absorbed into KAC. Building for the Future gateway, is home to and daylight hours and provided a marked In the meantime work continued at KWI to . The complex also includes improvement in service levels compared allow for growing traffic and the arrival of  What Kuwait the Kuwait Air Force Al Mubarak Air Base. to those used by Imperial Airways. newer and larger jets. In 1965, Phase 2 of Kuwait has rebuilt itself after recovering from the 1990 Iraqi invasion International Airport could look like if all The need for a local carrier was met in the airport development was completed with and is now embarking on a major expansion of its only airport. History expansion options 1954 when the Kuwait National Airways the opening of an 11,155ft (3,400m) concrete Kuwait first encountered aviation in 1927- are completed, Company Limited was founded with the western runway and a new control tower. Luigi Vallero paid a visit to find out more, and to see how the plans 28 when, as a British protectorate, its raising capacity to support of the British Overseas Airways Kuwait Airways (as it had become known) first airfield was built in the Dasma area 50mppa. Corporation (BOAC). It became Kuwait introduced its first 707-320C in 1968 measure up against the other mega-airports in the Gulf region. of Kuwait City. This was to give Imperial (Foster + Partners) Airways Corporation (KAC) a year later and ten years later acquired two 747-200s.

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(www.lombardavirtual.com)

Dubai and . By 2008 passengers  The airport Floor area is 430,570sq ft (40,000m2) over covering 344,456sq ft (32.000m2). It numbers had risen to almost 7.2mppa. layout once the three levels and a basement. There are ten features a wide range of shops, kiosks, food Airport Statistics offered an all-Business new terminal is airbridge-equipped gates, 40 remote stands and beverage outlets spread over three and First-Class-only product using completed – at the and additional parking aprons for cargo, VIP levels, banks, money exchanges, ATMs, ICAO Code: OKBK A320s a few years later but it proved opposite end from and VVIP aircraft. There are two parallel car rental companies, hotel reservations There were further airport upgrades in The following year the Safir Airport Transit IATA Code: KWI unsustainable and the carrier folded in 2011. the current facilities. runways, aligned 15/33. A cargo area is to kiosks, a pharmacy, a full-service clinic, an 1980 when Kuwait’s Directorate General Hotel opened, offering the convenience of Location: 29° 13.35’ N, 47° 58.08’ E The following year the General Aviation (Foster + Partners) the north-west of the passenger terminal. insurance kiosk and a barbershop. Short- of Civil Aviation (DGCA) enhanced facilities a four-star facility within the sterile area Elevation: 206ft (63m) Terminal (or Sheikh Saad Terminal) opened. Despite the various upgrades the and long-term car parks provide space for  The airside of to cater for continuing growth. Terminal of the airport. Runways: 15R/33L 11,155 x 148ft (3,400 x 45m) terminal is showing its age and compares 2,500 vehicles. 2 opened that year, raising the annual Plans for other infrastructure changes Current infrastructure the new terminal unfavourably with the latest steel and New executive lounges (Dasman and 15L/33R 11,483 x 148ft (3,500 x 45m) will include passenger capacity to five million, along came to a sudden halt in 1990 when The main terminal, vaguely shaped to glass structures in and those under Pearl), opened by Kuwait Airways and Frequencies: ATIS: 126.225 service roads and with a modern cargo facility. Navigation invaded Kuwait. During the ensuing seven look like an aircraft, was refurbished and construction in . National Aviation Services, cater for airbridges sheltered aids were upgraded with a new radar, ILS months the occupying forces looted and Tower: 118.3 expanded in 1999–2001 to raise capacity to Adjacent to the main terminal and linked an ever-increasing number of premium Ground: 121.7 by a massive and communications systems. In 1986 a devastated the airport, causing more 7mppa and provide more check-in space, 100 overhanging roof with the departure and arrival halls is the passengers. Under Kuwaiti air transport Approach: 121.3 new 11,483ft (3,500m) eastern runway and than 100 million KD ($330m) of damage. automated check-in kiosks, a new entrance, canopy. impressive commercial centre, also known law, those with a connection of more than a 197ft-tall (60m) ATC tower came into use When coalition forces liberated Kuwait on Website: www.dgca.gov.kw an improved baggage handling system, a (Foster + Partners) as the airport mall and the first of its kind in eight hours at KWI are entitled to free and the now-ageing T1 had a major facelift. February 26, 1991, KWI reopened for limited multi-storey car park and a shopping mall. the when it opened in 2002/3, rooms at the Safir Airport Hotel, courtesy services. Operations were back in full swing of the relevant air carrier.  The planned by December. The Sheikh Saad General Aviation entrance to the Traffic Statistics A new duty free shopping complex opened Terminal, run by GA and FBO specialist new terminal. Year Commercial Aircraft Non-Commercial Aircraft Passengers Freight (tonnes) (Foster + Partners) in 1994, and in 2000 Phase One of the Royal Aviation Company and built in 2008, Kuwait Airspace System Plan (KASP) 2008 61,512 26,408 7,226,345 180,090 covers 1,399,354sq ft (130,000m2) and  Towering glass began when new approach control and 2009 78,597 19,963 8,125,747 197,213 incorporates a three-storey terminal, windows more than short-range radar system went live – along 2010 79,350 14,927 8,332,857 208,295 a hangar and an apron capable of 150ft (45m) tall, with a digital private automatic branch 2011 71,519 13,598 8,466,737 195,066 accommodating up to 33 aircraft, some and shaded from exchange (PABX) telephone system with 2012 75,588 9,979 8,877,883 181,413 direct sunlight by an interface to a duplex radio system to Jan-Aug 2013 51,518 4,647 6,292,141 117,904 the overhanging roof provide improved communications. In canopy, will line all 2001 the duty free complex expanded and sides of the three work began on a commercial centre and spokes of the new car parking complex directly connected to terminal. the main terminal, which was completed (Foster + Partners) two years later. A new dawn for the nation broke in  2005 when the Kuwait Government’s offers multiple liberalisation of aviation services prompted departures to its the launch of the first local budget carrier, hub in . Jazeera Airways, which began flights to

Iran

Saudi Arabia

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sheltered. It has a reception area, VIP structure, will have four levels and two  Although the arms to handle both decks of the A380. and VVIP lounges, high-tech conference airside hotels and is designed to resemble current facilities Runway upgrades include the room, a prayer room, private offices a trefoil or a three-point star. The three are over 30 years reconstruction of the Runway 15R/33L, and restaurants. In-house immigration wings will protrude 1,790ft (600m) from old, they still have a which will be extended to 15,666ft (4,775m) and customs clearance, security checks, its centre. A new access road will be built modern appearance. to ensure the airport is capable of handling average growth of around 4% per annum  Airbus Dhaka, Doha, Dubai, , Geneva, baggage screening and metal detector from the Seventh Ring Road to the south. Code F aircraft like the A380 without for passenger numbers and 2.5% for cargo. A320-214 A9C-AO Islamabad, Jakarta, , Kochi, Kuala  capabilities ensure efficient and secure Each of the building’s facades will span   Duty free and payload restrictions. New internal service A major driver for the traffic growth has (c/n 4860) makes Lumpur, /Heathrow, Madinah, Manila, refreshment options passenger and baggage handling. Flight three-quarters of a mile (1.2km), extending roads, bridges and perimeter fences are been the Open Skies policy launched in its way to its stand , , New York/JFK, / Air Arabia Egypt in the current after arriving from crew lounges, aviation information and from a dramatic 82ft-high (25m) central also planned. 2006 and aimed at developing Kuwait Charles de Gaulle, Riyadh, /Fiumicino, Air terminals. Manama, . flight catering services are also available. area, its single roof canopy punctuated Under Phase 2 of the project, KWI’s into a commercial and business hub for Sharm el-Sheikh, Sohag, /Imam By the end of 2008 the Sheikh Saad by glazed openings which filter daylight main runway, 15L/33R, will be extended the region. The policy has liberalised an Khomeini and Thiruvananthapuram – along   The Air India Express Terminal had been modified to provide while deflecting direct solar radiation. The to 13,123ft (4,000m) and construction will air transport scene previously regulated  A model of the with seasonal services to Istanbul-Sabiha commercial centre, new terminal is Ariana Afghan Airlines handling for the now-defunct Wataniya canopy will extend to shade a generous begin on a third, 15,026ft (4,580m) parallel by strict bilateral agreements. Gökçen, Sarajevo and Vienna. The carrier’s which is linked on display in the ATA Air Airways. The airport’s Director of entrance plaza and will be supported by directly to the main runway on the west side of the airfield. In the medium term the main traffic point-to-point focus means frequencies are current facility. Biman Bangladesh Airlines Operations Management, Essam Al-Zamil, tapering concrete columns – their shapes passenger terminal, This will be used primarily to serve a cargo growth areas are expected to be usually limited and seldom more than daily. announced on May 20, 2013, that some draw inspiration from the contrast between features a variety of city development and military transport and the USA, although the Indian sub- Jazeera Airways currently flies A320s scheduled flights would be moved here to the solidity of the stone and movement of retail options. movements. continent, thanks to its substantial to Alexandria/Borg el Arab, / reduce congestion in the main terminal. Kuwait’s traditional dhow sailing boats. Expansion of the royal and state guests’ expatriate community living in Kuwait, Queen Alia, Assiut, Bahrain, Beirut, Cairo, Bulgarian Air Charter On September 15 moved its eight The project is targeting LEED (Leadership  Another view apron is also planned to enable it to handle is expected to continue accounting for Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum, Dubai EgyptAir daily flights to the Sheikh Saad Terminal in Energy and Environmental Design) ‘Gold’ of the commercial up to 20 aircraft, ranging in size from the lion’s share. For outbound traffic, International, Jeddah, Luxor, Mashhad, Airline centre. having increased its passenger numbers level, and aiming to be the first passenger the smallest business jets to an A380. A Southeast Asia is expected to be the area Najaf, Riyadh, and Sohag. Most of the by 31% in 2012 – 84% of them travelling terminal in the world to attain this degree of metro rail link is also due to be established of most development. carrier’s destinations reflect the ethnicity point-to-point. environmental accreditation. The concrete connecting the airport to the Kuwait City of its passengers, Jazeera being very strong flydubai structure helps to absorb heat and the roof downtown area. Airlines in the Egyptian market, which includes Future strategy incorporates a large expanse of photovoltaic The evolution of the airline industry at KWI a large expatriate community living and To satisfy rising demand the DGCA unveiled panels to harvest solar energy. Traffic development has been considerably slower than in other working in Kuwait. a master plan in 2012, coinciding with A signature feature of the terminal will be The airport is currently served by more Gulf countries. For at least four decades Profiting from the relative commercial Gulf Air the 85th anniversary of civil aviation in the impressive landside approach from the than 45 international carriers flying Kuwait Airways was the only local carrier, weakness of Kuwait Airways, the other Kuwait. It includes a new second terminal, south, with lush landscaped gardens and to 80-plus destinations. In 2012, KWI but despite enjoying a good reputation major Gulf carriers have developed major runway extensions, two additional covered kerbside drop-off zones. Inside the handled 8.87 million passengers, another among passengers, the 1991 and frequent services from KWI, feeding into fire stations, the development of a cargo building 120 check-in positions will keep consecutive record-breaking performance other circumstances prevented it from their hubs with multiple daily one-stop Jazeera Airways metropolis and a new DGCA headquarters queuing to a minimum while among the and a 4.9% increase over the previous developing the global networks or service connections to destinations across all complex. Phase 1 of the project will enable features planned are cascades of water year. In the first eight months of last year, standards of Emirates Airline, Etihad major continents. For example, Qatar annual aircraft movements to rise from surrounding the baggage reclaim area. 6.3 million passengers used the airport, Airways or Qatar Airways. Even today Airways has up to seven daily departures KLM 450,000 to 650,000. New aprons will cover an area of 890 acres suggesting final 2013 results should easily Kuwait Airways continues to focus on point- to its Doha hub, Etihad Airways links with The 1,507,000sq ft (140,000m2) terminal, (360ha) and 51 airbridge-equipped gates surpass those for 2012. Latest data is to-point services, and ‘fifth freedom rights’, Abu Dhabi and Emirates Airline has A330 Kuwait Airways to be built to the south of the existing will initially be available, some with multiple outperforming all forecasts, showing connecting Kuwait City with a selection of and 777 departures to Dubai. international destinations. The large Dubai origin and destination During the summer of 2013 its ageing market is also served by Emirates’ low-cost A300-600Rs, A310-300s, A320-200s, A340- arm, flydubai, which runs eight daily 737- Nas Air 200s and two 777-200s were connecting 800 round-trips from the Sheikh Saad GA KWI with Abu Dhabi, Alexandria/Borg El terminal. Bahraini carrier Gulf Air flies the Arab, Amman/Queen Alia, Bahrain, Bangkok/ short leg to its Manama base while Oman Pakistan International Airlines Suvarnabhumi, Beirut, Cairo, Chennai, Air links to its Muscat hub with a daily 737 Qatar Airways /Bandaranaike, Dammam, Delhi, service. flies to both Cargo Airlines Shaheen Air SriLankan Airlines DHL Aviation Syrianair Etihad Crystal Cargo Tunis Air -KLM TMA Cargo Turkish Airlines Cargo Yemenia Qatar Airways Cargo Zagros Airlines

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Cargo New Terminal 2 Statistics Cargolux uses KWI as an intermediate stop Initial capacity 13mppa (can be increased to 25 and optionally 50mppa) for its 747Fs on routes from Luxembourg to Hanoi and Hong Kong/Chek Lap Kok and Aircraft stands Between 30 and 51 for the first phase  Locally-based Roof span 197ft (60m) Jazeera Airways Martinair-KLM flies in from / Roof height (max) 128ft (39m) is described as a Schiphol, Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum Floor area 1,507,000sq ft (140,000m2) low-cost carrier but and Hong Kong/Chek Lap Kok. Turkish Airlines Cargo uses A310Fs and A330Fs to Levels Five offers two classes on Dhaka and Istanbul/Ataturk and TMA Cargo Window bay width (each) 148ft (45m) its aircraft, including Airbus A320-214 has a Beirut A300F connection, continuing Hotels Two 9K-CAG (c/n 3656). on to Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum. Check-in desks 120 (rising to 180 for 25mppa) (AirTeamImages. Qatar Airways Cargo and Etihad Crystal Baggage capacity 2,930 per hour (for 13mppa) com/Bailey) Cargo offer all-freighter connections to 5,390 per hour (for 25mppa) their Doha and Abu Dhabi hubs. In the Baggage conveyor length 3.75 miles (6km)  Kuwait Airways’ package distribution market DHL Aviation A320-212 9K-AKA feeds its regional hub in Bahrain, providing and Sana’a. Express while Pakistan International Airlines (c/n 181) – leased overnight 757F services linking with the rest The largest low-cost carrier in the area, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines connect to the airline of its comprehensive network. Air Arabia, provides A320 services to to Pakistan and Bangladesh respectively. in December 1992 – taxies in the UAE and, via its Air Arabia European carriers are represented by Conclusions past the current Egypt subsidiary, to Alexandria/Borg el British Airways (London/Heathrow); Until recently KWI has been slow in terminal. The Arab. Flights to ‘the Kingdom’, as Saudi Bulgaria Air and Bulgaria Air Charter developing, handing a huge advantage to its carrier has begun Arabia is usually referred to, are provided (seasonal to Bourgas and Varna); a fleet replacement Gulf neighbours, notably Dubai, Abu Dhabi by Saudia to Jeddah, Madinah and Riyadh Freebird Airlines (seasonal to Bursa); KLM programme with and Doha. But the situation is changing, while Saudi budget carrier Nas Air offers (intermediate stop of its A330 Amsterdam Memorandums with its established upward trend in traffic cheaper options to Jeddah, Madinah and to Dammam service); Lufthansa (Frankfurt); of Understanding figures and the ambitious master plan set Taif. Iraqi connections have been reinstated and Turkish Airlines (Istanbul/Atatürk placed for 15 Airbus to revolutionise the passenger experience. by both Jazeera Airways and Iraqi Airways, and Sabiha Gökçen). Other international A320neos and ten The KWI of tomorrow promises to be a with links to and Najaf. connections are provided by Ethiopian A350-900s. distinctly stronger regional competitor, EgyptAir and operate flights from Airlines () and United Airlines (All photos author providing the community it serves with a multiple Egyptian cities while Nile Air also (Washington/Dulles). unless stated) world-class airport. serves Alexandria/Borg el Arab. Iran Air, Iran Aseman Airlines, Mahan Air, ATA Air and Zagros Airlines all provide connections from several Iranian cities. ’s Ariana Afghan Airlines has connections to its base while Georgian Airways offers a seasonal service to Batumi. Other Middle East countries are represented by Royal Jordanian and Jordan Aviation, both flying to Amman/Queen Alia; Middle East Airlines operating to Beirut; Syrianair serving and Latakia; and Tunis Air flying from Tunis. The large expatriate community from the Indian sub-continent is well served by carriers including Air India and Air India

28 airports of the world