Kuwait airport closure is causing an economic disaster

Abdulrahman Al Kharafi, a member of the Travel and Tourism Bureau, revealed that Kuwait is estimated to have lost around 100 million Kuwaiti dinars due to the closure of the airport and the ban on 34 countries.

Al Kharafi told Al Qabas that, “there are around 16,000 residents looking to come back to Kuwait and that by opening the airport and removing the ban Kuwait could benefit economically.”

He said that the decision by the health authorities “caused an economic disaster” and that the airport should be opened to restore economic activity in the country.

He pointed out that this money could have been pumped into the aviation sector, hotels, restaurants as well as the health sector who would charge for swabs.

Those that are looking to return to Kuwait have been travelling to neighbouring countries and quarantining for 14 days before entering Kuwait. Al Kharafi explained that those that are “transiting” in other countries are paying around 600 Kuwaiti dinars for their flight, accommodation and the necessary health expenses.