Kuwait airports to function 24 hours, entry ban of expatriates still effective.

Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced the 24-hour opening of Kuwait International Airport from March 7th. The Director of the Air Transport Department, Abdullah Al Rajhi of DGCA issued a circular to all companies operating at the airport notifying of the requests of change in timing.

The airport currently operates during 4 AM to 8 PM, according to Al-Qabas. The directive states the requirement of official approval from the council of ministers for the residents to return to the state. the passengers are to register in the government platform Kuwaitmosafer and will require to present a negative Covid-19 PCR certificate taken within 72 hours prior to boarding flights. The traveller will also be subjected to PCR test on arrival.

However, the suspension of entry of expatriates for two weeks which came into effect on February 7 still exists and will not be affected by the current decision. The entry ban exempts Kuwaitis, medical personnel, relatives of Kuwaiti citizens and accompanied domestic workers, diplomats and minors below the age of 18 while 14 days of self-quarantine upon their arrival in the Gulf state has been mandated.