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1. General Information

Kuwait International Airport (IATA: KWI, ICAO: OKKK) is the primary gateway to the State of Kuwait, serving as a critical hub for the region.

It features two 3,400-meter parallel runways capable of accommodating large aircraft, including the Airbus A380. The airport hosts multiple terminals, with Terminal 1 serving various international airlines, Terminal 4 dedicated to Kuwait Airways, and Terminal 5 for Jazeera Airways. Kuwait International offers extensive passenger and cargo facilities, connecting Kuwait to major global destinations. Future development plans aim to enhance its role as a key aviation and logistics hub with a focus on passenger experience and operational efficiency.

FUN FACT

Kuwait International Airport’s original 1979 terminal, designed by famous architect Kenzo Tange, features unique arches inspired by Islamic architecture and remains an iconic part of the airport today.

1.1 Aerodrome Details​

Airport ICAOAirport Co-ordinatesElevationTransition Altitude/Level
OKKK29.2268° N, 47.9689° E206 ft13000 ft / FL150

1.1.1 Runway​

Kuwait International Airport (OKKK) has two main runways:

  • Runway 15R/33L: 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) in length, primarily used for commercial operations.
  • Runway 15L/33R: 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) in length, mainly used for secondary operations and as a backup.

Both runways are equipped to handle large aircraft and are operationally flexible based on traffic and weather conditions.

Note

Kuwait International Airport is undergoing a significant expansion, including the construction of a new third runway (Runway 34). This runway and associated facicilites are anticipated to be completed by mid - 2025

1.1.2 Runway Characteristics​

Runway DesignatorDimensionsSurface MaterialMagnetic BearingThreshold ElevationRunway Length
15L/33R3,500 x 45 mAsphalt152° / 332°160 feet / 204 feet3,500 m
15R/33L3,400 x 45 mConcrete152° / 332°133 feet / 168 feet3,400 m

1.1.3 Declared Distances (Takeoff)​

Definition

Usable lengths of a runway for takeoff, landing and abort procedures are called Declared Distances.

  • TORA (Take-Off Run Available): The length available for an aircraft to takeoff.
  • ASDA (Accelerate Stop Distance Availability): The distance available to accelerate and then safely stop in case of an aborted takeoff.
RWYLDAFULL TORAINT TORAINT TORA
15L3,500 m3,500 mE5: 2,700 mE4: 2,150 m
15R3,400 m3,400 mW5: 2,400 mW4: 2,150 m
33L3,400 m3,400 mW2: 2,500 m-
33R3,500 m3,500 mE2: 2,700 mE3: 2,000 m

1.1.4 Runway Usage​

RunwayUsageDepartureArrival
15LNormal departure for all aircraftAmiri Apron, Eastern Apron, Military Apron, Apron 3 (GA)-
15RNormal arrival for all aircraftCargo Apron, Cargo City-
33LNormal departure for all aircraft-Terminal 4, Cargo Apron, Cargo City
33RNormal arrival for all aircraftAmiri Apron, Eastern Apron, Military Apron, Apron 3 (GA)-
Airbus A380Assigned to runways 15L/33R unless a different runway is requested by the pilot--

1.2 Air Traffic Services​

Kuwait International Airport (OKKK) is a fully controlled airport.

1.2.1 Airspace Classification​

AirspaceAirspace OwnerAirspace ClassificationVertical Boundary
Kuwait Control Zone (CTR)OKKK_TWRDSFC - 2,000 ft
Kuwait Control Area (CTA)OKKK_APPCSFC - FL150
Kuwait Flight Information Region (FIR)OKAC_CTRAFL150 - FL460
Kuwait Flight Information Region (FIR)OKAC_CTRC2,000 ft - FL150
Kuwait Flight Information Region (FIR)OKAC_CTRDSFC - 2,000 ft

1.3 ATS Callsigns​

Radio CallsignLogon CallsignAbbreviationFrequency (MHz)
Kuwait ATISOKKK_ATISATIS126.225
Kuwait DeliveryOKKK_DELDLV126.775
Kuwait GroundOKKK_GNDSMC121.700
Kuwait TowerOKKK_TWRTWR118.300
Kuwait ApproachOKKK_APPAPP124.800
Kuwait DirectorOKKK_F_APPAPP123.850
Kuwait RadarOKAC_CTRCTR125.300