Planning a trip through Kuwait City? There’s a new rule at the airport, though it isn’t aimed at you. Kuwait’s General Civil Aviation Authority has barred anyone working at Kuwait International Airport from taking photographs, recording videos or broadcasting live from their workplaces. Those who break the rule face legal action.
What The New Circular Says
The directive was issued on Thursday, November 5, as Circular No. 60 of 2026. It was signed by acting Director-General Saad Al Otaibi, according to Kuwaiti newspaper Al Qabas, and took effect the moment it was issued. It applies to every employee and every entity operating at the airport. Phones, cameras and any other device that can capture or stream footage are off limits in work areas.
Which Areas Are Covered
Article 1 names the aprons, passenger terminals, administrative and technical buildings, and every other facility that belongs to the authority. Staff also cannot photograph or publish internal documents and correspondence. The same goes for anything linked to security procedures, security systems, inspection checkpoints and surveillance cameras. Aircraft movements and day-to-day airport operations are covered as well. In short, the rule reaches from the runway apron to the back office.
Why The Authority Is Doing It
The authority describes the airport and its facilities as vital infrastructure of a sensitive nature. It says the restrictions protect the privacy of employees and passengers, safeguard sensitive facilities, and keep operations running smoothly.
Filming rules are tightening elsewhere in Kuwait too. Drones now fall under a new law, with jail terms and fines of up to KD5,000, Gulf News has reported.
What Happens If Someone Breaks The Rule
Article 2 says any violation leads to legal accountability under Kuwait’s applicable laws, regulations and administrative decisions. The circular rests on the Civil Service Law, the Civil Service System, the Civil Aviation Law issued in 2025 and the Civil Service Commission’s 2021 code of conduct for government employees. Every department and sector under the authority, and at the airport, has been told to circulate it.
Also Read: Kuwait Approves Two New Airport Hotels And A Beach Upgrade With Ice Rinks And Cinemas
What It Means If You’re Travelling
The ban targets airport employees and the entities operating inside the airport. Reports of the circular do not describe a blanket ban on passengers taking photographs. Even so, airports are sensitive spaces. Keep your phone away from security checkpoints and staff, and follow any signs you see on the day.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikipedia/Faisalalserbel
FAQs
What happens to staff who break the rule?
Any violation leads to legal accountability under Kuwait's applicable laws, regulations and administrative decisions. The circular took effect immediately on November 5.
What is covered by the ban?
The ban covers aprons, passenger terminals, administrative and technical buildings and all other facilities belonging to the authority. It also covers internal documents and correspondence, security procedures, security systems, inspection checkpoints, surveillance cameras, aircraft movements and airport operations.
