Kuwait Airways logo

Kuwait

Kuwait AirwaysKU

IATA Code

KU

ICAO Code

KAC

Country
Kuwait
Routes

94

Last updated: January 22, 2025

About

Kuwait Airways is the flag carrier airline of the State of Kuwait, headquartered at Kuwait International Airport (KWI). Founded in 1953 as Kuwait National Airways, it is one of the oldest airlines in the Gulf region and a pioneer of commercial aviation in the Middle East.

The airline operates a modernized fleet of Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A330-800neo, A330-200, A320neo, and A320ceo aircraft, serving over 50 destinations across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. Kuwait Airways underwent a significant transformation in 2016 with fleet renewal, new cabins, and enhanced service standards.

Kuwait Airways is independent with no alliance membership, operating its own Oasis Club loyalty program. The airline is known for its traditional Arabian hospitality, generous baggage allowances, and notably operates as a dry airline with no alcohol served on any flight. First and Business Class feature lie-flat seats with premium dining, while Economy offers competitive legroom and complimentary meals on all flights.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Airports where Kuwait Airways operates 5+ routes

Network

43 airports served

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Observed Flights

Callsigns tracked for Kuwait Airways (KAC) - 29 unique callsigns observed

Showing 20 of 29 callsigns

Baggage Policy

IMPORTANT: Kuwait Airways uses a WEIGHT SYSTEM (not piece) on most routes

Similar to other Gulf carriers, Kuwait Airways allows you to distribute your total weight allowance across multiple bags on most routes, with piece concept applying to Americas routes.

Carry-On Allowance

Class Pieces Dimensions Weight
Economy 1 bag 56 x 45 x 25 cm (22 x 18 x 10 in) 7 kg (15 lbs)
Business 2 pieces 56 x 45 x 25 cm each 9 kg each (18 kg total)
First 2 pieces 56 x 45 x 25 cm each 9 kg each (18 kg total)

Personal Item: Handbag, laptop bag, or small personal item allowed in addition to cabin bag.

Checked Baggage - Weight Concept (Most Routes)

Fare Type Total Allowance
Economy 23 kg (50 lbs)
Economy Plus/Flexible 30 kg (66 lbs)
Business Class 40 kg (88 lbs)
First Class 50 kg (110 lbs)
  • Weight can be split across multiple bags
  • No single bag may exceed 32 kg (70 lbs)
  • Max dimensions: 158 cm (62 in) linear

Checked Baggage - Piece Concept (Americas Routes)

Class Pieces Weight per Piece
Economy 2 bags 23 kg (50 lbs) each
Business Class 2 bags 32 kg (70 lbs) each
First Class 2 bags 32 kg (70 lbs) each

Oasis Club Member Bonus Allowance

Status Additional Allowance
Blue Standard fare allowance
Silver +5 kg
Gold +10 kg
Platinum +15 kg

Excess Baggage Fees

Condition Fee
Per kg overweight KWD 5-15 (~$16-50 USD)
Additional piece KWD 30-50 (~$100-165 USD)

Fees vary by route and fare type. Pre-purchase online for potential savings.

Infant & Child Baggage

Passenger Checked Cabin
Infants (under 2) 10 kg total Small bag (up to 3 kg)
Children (2+ years) Same as adult fare Same as adult fare

Free for all infants: Collapsible stroller + car seat (gate-check available)

Special Items

Item Policy
Golf clubs Counts toward allowance
Skis/snowboards Counts toward allowance
Bicycles Counts toward allowance (must be boxed)
Car seat FREE (gate-check available)
Stroller FREE (collapsible, gate-check)
Wheelchair/mobility aids FREE
Musical instruments Cabin if fits dimensions, hard case for checked

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at kuwaitairways.com/baggage.

In-Flight Experience

Fleet Overview

Aircraft Configuration Routes
Boeing 777-300ER First + Business + Economy Long-haul (Europe, Americas, Asia)
Airbus A330-800neo Business + Economy Medium/long-haul
Airbus A330-200 Business + Economy Medium-haul
Airbus A320neo/ceo Business + Economy Regional/short-haul

First Class (Boeing 777-300ER)

Seat Specifications:

  • Configuration: 1-2-1
  • 8 private suites total
  • Pitch: 82 inches
  • Lie-flat bed: 78 inches (198 cm)
  • Personal wardrobe and storage
  • 23-inch HD entertainment screen
  • In-seat power and USB

Amenities:

  • Premium amenity kit
  • Sleeper suit/pyjamas on long-haul flights
  • Exclusive First Class lounge access
  • Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage
  • Dedicated cabin crew attention

Business Class

Boeing 777-300ER Seats:

  • Configuration: 2-2-2
  • Lie-flat beds
  • Pitch: 60 inches
  • 18-inch personal entertainment screen
  • In-seat power outlet and USB

Airbus A330-800neo Seats:

  • Fully lie-flat seats
  • Direct aisle access on most seats
  • Modern cabin with mood lighting

Amenities:

  • Amenity kit
  • Lounge access at KWI and select airports
  • Priority services

Economy Class

Boeing 777-300ER:

  • Pitch: 32-33 inches
  • Width: 17.5 inches
  • Personal entertainment screen at every seat
  • In-seat USB charging

Airbus A320/A330 Family:

  • Pitch: 31-32 inches
  • Personal screens on most aircraft
  • USB power on newer aircraft

Entertainment

Personal Screens:

  • First Class: 23-inch HD
  • Business Class: 18-inch
  • Economy: 10-12 inch personal screens

Content:

  • Movies in Arabic, English, Hindi, and other languages
  • TV shows and documentaries
  • Arabic and Western music channels
  • Children's programming
  • Flight information and moving map

WiFi

WiFi connectivity available on Boeing 777-300ER and A330-800neo aircraft:

  • Messaging packages available
  • Browse and email packages
  • Pricing varies by flight duration

Dining

IMPORTANT: Kuwait Airways is a DRY AIRLINE - No alcohol is served on any flight.

First Class:

  • Multi-course gourmet dining
  • Premium menu with Arabic and international cuisine
  • Dine-on-demand service
  • Fresh juices, premium non-alcoholic beverages
  • Caviar and specialty dishes on select routes

Business Class:

  • Multi-course meals
  • Choice of appetizer, main course, and dessert
  • Arabic coffee and dates service
  • Premium non-alcoholic beverages

Economy Class:

  • Complimentary hot meals on all flights
  • Choice of 2-3 entree options (typically meat, chicken, vegetarian)
  • All meals Halal-certified
  • Complimentary soft drinks, tea, coffee, juices

Special Meals (order 24+ hours before departure):

  • Vegetarian (VGML, AVML)
  • Diabetic (DBML)
  • Low sodium (LSML)
  • Child/infant meals (CHML, BBML)
  • Gluten-free (GFML)
  • Kosher (KSML) - advance request required

Tips & Tricks

Booking:

  • Book directly on kuwaitairways.com for easiest management and full fare visibility
  • Compare Economy vs Economy Plus fares - the extra 7 kg baggage may be worth it
  • JFK route is popular - book Business/First early for better availability
  • Currency can be displayed in KWD or USD on the website

Baggage:

  • Weight system is flexible - distribute across multiple bags
  • No single bag over 32 kg accepted - must repack if exceeded
  • Pre-purchase excess baggage online for potential savings
  • Oasis Club status provides meaningful extra allowance (+5 to +15 kg)

Dry Airline:

  • No alcohol served on any flight, any class
  • Bring your own entertainment if you enjoy a drink with meals
  • Premium non-alcoholic beverage selection available

At Kuwait Airport:

  • Terminal 4 is modern and efficient
  • Al Farida Lounge access for premium cabin and elite members
  • Prayer rooms available throughout the terminal
  • Allow 2-3 hours for international departures

In-Flight:

  • 777-300ER First Class suites offer the most privacy
  • A330-800neo is the newest aircraft with modern cabins
  • Arabic coffee and dates service is a Kuwait Airways signature
  • Request special meals 24+ hours in advance

Connections via Kuwait:

  • Compact airport, connections are efficient
  • Minimum connection time typically 90 minutes
  • Stopover in Kuwait possible - explore Kuwait City

Oasis Club Tips:

  • Miles expire after 36 months - plan redemptions accordingly
  • Family pooling helps reach award thresholds faster
  • Platinum status offers meaningful upgrade possibilities
  • Silver is achievable with regular flying (20 segments/year)

Common Issues:

  • 7 kg carry-on limit in Economy is enforced - weigh your bag
  • No alcohol means no duty-free liquor purchases for consumption
  • Some routes operate with older aircraft - check equipment before booking
  • JFK flights are long (14+ hours) - consider Business Class for comfort