Kuwait International Airport attack: Iranian drones hit Terminal 1, Kuwait Airways halts all flights

Kuwait International Airport was struck by Iranian drones and missiles on Tuesday in an attack targeting Terminal 1, causing structural damage and multiple injuries and prompting the immediate suspension of all commercial flight operations. Kuwait Airways confirmed it has halted operations until further notice, and inbound flights have been diverted or placed in holding patterns.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense and the Public Authority for Civil Aviation described the attack as hostile Iranian aggression. Initial reports indicated multiple injuries though no confirmed fatalities at the time of filing. Fires and smoke were reported in parts of the terminal following the strike.

All arrivals and departures from Kuwait International Airport have been suspended. Passengers with bookings are advised to contact their airlines directly for rebooking or refund options.

Context within the broader Iran war

The attack is the latest escalation in the regional conflict that began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iran. Iranian retaliatory actions have since spread across the Gulf, with Kuwait having previously sustained attacks on fuel depots, air bases, and airport infrastructure in the months since hostilities began. Kuwait International Airport had been gradually recovering and reopening terminals in recent weeks before Tuesday’s strike set back that process.

The targeting of Kuwait’s civilian airport represents a significant escalation in the geographic spread of Iranian military action and raises fresh concerns about the safety of Gulf aviation corridors that connect major international routes between Europe, Asia, and the wider Middle East.

India angle

Kuwait is home to approximately one million Indian expatriates, the largest single foreign community in the country. Indian carriers including Air India and IndiGo operate regular flights between Indian cities and Kuwait City. The suspension of airport operations will disrupt travel for thousands of Indian passengers and workers, and the Ministry of External Affairs is expected to issue an advisory. Indians in Kuwait are advised to monitor official government channels and contact their airlines for the latest information on flight status.

This is a developing story and will be updated as further details emerge.

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