The directive was issued under Circular No. 60 of 2026 by Acting Director General Engineer Saad Al-Otaibi on Thursday, November 5, 2026, and entered into effect immediately upon issuance, with instructions for all relevant airport departments and operating entities to comply.

According to Article One of the circular, all employees and organisations operating at Kuwait International Airport are prohibited from using mobile phones, cameras or other technological devices to take photographs, record videos or conduct live broadcasts from their workplaces.

The restrictions cover aircraft parking aprons, passenger terminals, administrative offices, technical buildings, operational facilities and other premises affiliated with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, ensuring that the directive applies across the relevant airport work areas.

The circular also prohibits photographing or publishing internal documents, official correspondence and materials connected with security procedures, inspection checkpoints, surveillance cameras, aircraft movements and operational activities within the airport.

Authorities explained that Kuwait International Airport is a vital facility with sensitive security and operational requirements, making it necessary to safeguard confidential information, protect individual privacy and prevent the unauthorised circulation of potentially sensitive images or recordings.

Article Two states that violations of the circular may result in legal accountability under Kuwait’s existing laws, regulations and administrative decisions, although the published directive does not specify one fixed fine or imprisonment term applicable to every violation.

Article Three confirms that the restrictions became effective on the date the circular was issued and requires the relevant departments and organisations to be informed, making compliance mandatory for airport employees and operating entities from November 5, 2026.

The directive is based on Kuwait’s applicable civil service regulations, aviation legislation and public-sector professional conduct requirements, including the country’s Civil Aviation Law issued in 2025.

Importantly, the circular specifically addresses employees and organisations working within Kuwait International Airport, rather than establishing a general prohibition on all passengers taking personal photographs throughout the airport.

Existing requirements concerning restricted security areas, privacy and other applicable regulations remain relevant, and travellers should continue following instructions issued by the competent airport authorities.

The latest measure reflects the authorities’ efforts to strengthen security and operational discipline at critical transport facilities while ensuring that sensitive documents, aviation procedures and internal information are not disclosed through unauthorised photography or broadcasting.

Source: Kuwait Directorate General of Civil Aviation – Al Anba Newspaper – Al Jarida Newspaper – Al Seyassah Newspaper.