Kuwait Airways to launch 5 new destinations in 2026

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Kuwait Airways is set to widen its international footprint with the addition of five new destinations across Europe and Asia in 2026, building on Kuwait’s recent e-visa rollout and relaxed visit visa rules aimed at accelerating inbound tourism. All routes are expected to commence from the summer season, aligning with peak leisure demand from the Gulf.

Among the newly revealed routes are services to Mykonos in Greece, Russian capital Moscow, the Maldives, Beijing in China and Thai island Phuket, a selection that reflects growing travel demand between the GCC and key tourism and trade hubs.

Twice-weekly flights to Mykonos will launch on 14 June 2026, reconnecting Kuwait with the celebrated Aegean island known for its beaches, buzzing nightlife and Mediterranean charm. Meanwhile, flights to Moscow will operate three times a week, tapping into the strong flow of Russian travellers visiting the Gulf.

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The Maldives, long a favourite for luxury holidaymakers from the GCC region, will see its first direct link from Kuwait, placing its white-sand islands and overwater resorts less than six hours away. New Beijing flights will bolster business and leisure travel between Kuwait and China, while also positioning Kuwait Airways to capture a growing share of outbound Chinese tourism to the Gulf.

Phuket completes the list of new additions. The Thai island, still benefitting from the ‘White Lotus effect’ following its on-screen debut, continues to rank among the region’s leading long-haul beach destinations. Launch dates and frequencies for Moscow, Maldives, Beijing and Phuket will be confirmed in due course.

Phuket, Thailand

The expansion supports Kuwait Airways’ ongoing strategy to strengthen its global presence and gain a larger slice of the GCC region’s booming fast-growing aviation market. Founded in 1954, the national carrier now operates flights to more than 60 destinations worldwide from Kuwait International Airport (KWI).

Further enhancing its home base, the US$4.3 billion Terminal 2 at KWI, designed by Foster + Partners, is on track to open in late 2026. The state-of-the-art facility will initially handle 13 million passengers annually, with capacity rising to 50 million in later phases.

The announcement follows the launch of Kuwait Airways’ new service to Egypt’s Sphinx International Airport, operating three times a week for travellers heading to the Giza pyramids or the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Continuing to enhance its product offering, Kuwait Airways – named World’s Most Improved Airline by Skytrax in 2023 – also became the first airline in the Middle East to introduce a hand-baggage-only economy fare last year.

For more information, visit kuwaitairways.com