Airports in the Middle East Affected by Recent Attacks

Airports across Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain, the U.A.E., and Iran have experienced attacks, with some serving military functions. These strikes have disrupted operations and caused significant damage.

Attack on Kuwait International Airport

Iranian forces targeted Kuwait’s main airport, using attack drones that resulted in one death and more than 60 injuries. Among the injured were passengers and airport workers. The attack led to the closure of a terminal that had recently reopened, disrupting aviation in the region. The Kuwaiti military reported material damage to Terminal 1, which hosts both civilian flights and the Kuwaiti and U.S. air forces.

Health officials in Kuwait described the scene as a major emergency, with more than 25 ambulances deployed and several emergency surgeries conducted. Verified footage revealed extensive fire and smoke damage inside the terminal, which had just reopened after months of closure due to ongoing conflict. Authorities announced plans to reopen a different terminal for passenger use.

Impact Across the Region

Kuwait International Airport has been targeted multiple times during the conflict. Other regional airports, including Erbil International Airport in Iraq, have also been affected. Iran attacked military bases at Erbil in February and March, where U.S. forces are present.

Civil airports in the area, such as Baghdad International Airport in Iraq and Bahrain’s International Airport, have also faced similar attacks. In the U.A.E., both Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport have experienced strikes.

Additionally, Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport in Iran was hit by Israeli strikes in March, according to Iranian state media.

Consequences for Travelers

The ongoing conflict has severely affected passenger travel in the Gulf region. Many airlines have had to adjust their schedules and routes significantly, and there have been price hikes due to increased jet fuel costs following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

British Airways extended a pause on flights to several regional destinations, including Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain, and Amman, with suspensions lasting until the end of October.

Leo Sands, a correspondent for the Breaking News Hub of The New York Times, reported these developments from London.