Kuwait Airport Reopening preparations are progressing as authorities plan to resume operations at Terminal 1 in November. The move comes ahead of Kuwait’s hosting of the Saudi Super Cup, scheduled for December 19–23 at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah announced the reopening plans on Monday. He spoke to reporters following the signing of a government partnership agreement supporting the tournament. Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs Dr Tareq Al-Jalahma also attended the ceremony.
Kuwait will host the competition’s 13th edition, featuring four Saudi clubs competing for the trophy. Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, Al-Qadsiah and Al-Kholood will participate in the five-day tournament. Organizers have scheduled the semifinals for December 19 and 20, while the final will take place on December 23.
Meanwhile, Kuwaiti authorities are preparing measures to make travel easier for supporters crossing from Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Fahd said the Interior Ministry had expanded arrangements at the Nuwaiseeb border crossing. Officials increased capacity to 20 booths dedicated to processing arriving travelers, helping manage the expected flow of football fans.
In addition, authorities will introduce special entry arrangements for participating players and tournament officials. Sheikh Fahd confirmed that they would not need to complete biometric fingerprinting procedures at the airport. Instead, officials will issue them special identification cards to facilitate entry into and departure from Kuwait.
These measures form part of broader preparations to welcome visitors and support the tournament’s organization. The planned Kuwait Airport Reopening also comes as the country prepares to accommodate increased travel associated with the sporting event. However, authorities have not provided further operational details about Terminal 1’s resumption.
The Public Authority for Sport, which signed the government partner sponsorship agreement, emphasized its commitment to hosting major competitions. According to the authority, supporting such events helps strengthen Kuwait’s position within regional and international sports. It also sees the tournament as an opportunity to develop the country’s sports sector.
Furthermore, the authority expects the competition to encourage sports tourism and attract visiting supporters. Increased visitor activity could benefit tourism-related businesses and contribute to wider economic activity during the tournament. The event also provides an opportunity to showcase Kuwait’s ability to organize major sporting occasions.
PAS also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The authority described the tournament as a reflection of the countries’ historic ties and close cooperation. Moreover, it said sporting events can strengthen connections between their populations through shared interests and regional partnerships.
The authority added that it would continue supporting initiatives aligned with its strategic objectives. These priorities include developing sports infrastructure, expanding cooperation across the Gulf and attracting major competitions. Through these efforts, Kuwait aims to establish itself as a regional destination for prominent sporting events.
With the tournament approaching, Kuwait Airport Reopening plans and travel arrangements remain important parts of the preparations. The return of Terminal 1 operations in November would precede the arrival of teams, officials and supporters for December’s matches. Authorities are also seeking to make border and airport procedures more convenient for eligible visitors.
Together, the infrastructure plans and entry measures demonstrate Kuwait’s preparations for hosting the Saudi Super Cup. The tournament will bring four Saudi clubs and their supporters to Kuwait for several days of competition. Organizers and government agencies will now continue coordinating arrangements before the event begins.
