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ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest aviation group, has officially announced the upcoming resumption of its passenger flight services to Kuwait City. The decision marks a significant step toward normalizing the carrier’s network in the Middle East following months of severe regional disruptions.
According to an official statement released by the airline on Tuesday, scheduled flights to Kuwait International Airport (KWI) are set to officially restart on June 16, 2026.
Background: Navigating Regional Security Challenges
The resumption comes nearly four months after escalating geopolitical tensions forced the flag carrier to drastically scale back its operations across the Middle East. On February 28, citing immediate security concerns within regional airspace, Ethiopian Airlines suspended several key routes in a strict bid to safeguard its passengers and crew.
Among the high-profile routes temporarily halted or restricted during that period were flights to:
- Amman, Jordan
- Tel Aviv, Israel
- Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- Beirut, Lebanon
While several of these destinations have seen gradual, phased restorations over the last several weeks—including daytime service adjustments and structural route planning—Kuwait City remained a critical missing link in the carrier’s regional connectivity. The path toward resumption was paved late last month following a phased reopening plan initiated by Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Commitment to Safety and Continuity
In its June 2 press release, the airline expressed strong optimism regarding the return to Kuwaiti airspace, emphasizing its readiness to restore both passenger and vital cargo supply chains.
“It is with great joy that Ethiopian Airlines announces the resumption of flight services to Kuwait,” the airline stated.
Management further reaffirmed that passenger convenience will not come at the expense of operational security. The airline’s safety committees will continue to actively monitor ongoing regional security developments and maintain strict coordination with international aviation authorities to ensure the highest safety standards remain uncompromised.
Travelers can now begin booking flights between Addis Ababa (ADD) and Kuwait City (KWI) through the airline’s official channels and regional ticketing offices ahead of the June 16 launch.
