Kuwait has reopened its airspace and resumed normal flight operations after lifting precautionary restrictions imposed amid heightened security concerns across the Gulf region, reported the IANS.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that on Thursday that air traffic had returned to normal following the resolution of circumstances that led to the temporary closure. Operations at Kuwait International Airport have resumed in line with approved flight schedules, with airlines gradually restoring regular services, the news agency reported.
In an official statement, the DGCA said it remains in constant coordination with domestic and international authorities to monitor developments and ensure the highest standards of safety and security within Kuwaiti airspace.
The authority stressed that the situation is being closely observed around the clock amid continuing regional instability.
Temporary closure of air strip
Earlier in the day, Kuwait temporarily suspended air traffic and diverted flights as a precautionary measure. At the same time, the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army announced that air defence systems were actively intercepting hostile aerial targets to safeguard the country`s airspace and key infrastructure.
The move came against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East following fresh United States military strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions by Tehran.
Iran`s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that it had targeted 18 US military installations across the Middle East, including facilities located in Kuwait and Bahrain. The strikes were described by Iran as retaliation for recent US attacks on Iranian territory, according to the IANS.
Among the reported targets were the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.
Kuwait and Bahrain condemn attacks
Both Kuwait and Bahrain strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as serious violations of sovereignty and a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability.
Kuwait`s Foreign Ministry characterised the strikes as a breach of the country`s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, as well as a violation of international law, the United Nations Charter and Security Council resolutions.
Officials warned that continued military actions could further destabilise the region at a time when international efforts are focused on preventing a broader conflict.
“The attacks cannot be justified or accepted under any pretext,” the ministry said, as per the IANS.
Bahrain calls for restraint
Bahrain`s Foreign Ministry also denounced the attacks, warning that they pose a significant threat to Gulf security and stability.
The kingdom urged Iran to cease military operations, fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions and respect international laws governing freedom of maritime navigation.
The latest developments highlight growing concerns over the potential for wider conflict across the Gulf region. While air traffic in Kuwait has returned to normal, authorities remain on high alert as geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States continue to reverberate across the Middle East, as per the IANS.
(with IANS inputs)
Kuwait reopens airspace after temporary closure amid escalating tensions
