Kuwait reopens airspace for 1st time since Iran war

Kuwait reopened its airspace on Thursday evening, for the first time since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran in late February.

"Airspace at Kuwait International Airport was reopened as of Thursday, after a temporary and precautionary suspension of air traffic since Feb. 28 due to the situation in the region," Hamoud Mubarak, the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, said in statements carried by the state news agency KUNA.

This step "is part of a well-considered phased plan to gradually resume air traffic in preparation for the full operation of the airport in the coming period," he said.

Mubarak said the authority has completed its assessment of the damage inflicted on some airport facilities from attacks by Iran and its affiliated armed groups.

He thanked Saudi Arabia for “its cooperation and support in facilitating the operation of Kuwaiti carriers through its airports" during this period.

Kuwait International Airport has been the target of attacks that authorities have blamed on Iran and allied groups.

Regional hostilities have escalated since the US and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, killing and injuring thousands.

Tehran launched retaliatory strikes on Israel and regional countries hosting US military assets and restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul.