Kuwait International Airport (KWI) is the primary gateway to the State of Kuwait, handling millions of passengers annually.
The airport serves as a hub for Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways, connecting Kuwait to major destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America.
With multiple terminals catering to different airlines and passenger needs, understanding the parking facilities, managed in part by companies like United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC), is essential for both residents and visitors.
Kuwait International Airport (KWI) Information
- Full Name: Kuwait International Airport (مطار الكويت الدولي)
- IATA Code: KWI
- ICAO Code: OKKK
- Operator: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of Kuwait
- Location: Farwaniya, approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) south of Kuwait City.
- Terminals: KWI has several operational terminals:
- Terminal 1 (T1): The original and largest terminal, serving a variety of international airlines.
- Terminal 2 (T2): A new, state-of-the-art terminal under development, intended to be the main hub. (Phased opening, not fully public for all operations yet).
- Terminal 3 (T3): Known as Sheikh Saad Al Abdallah Terminal, historically used for general and private aviation.
- Terminal 4 (T4): Dedicated terminal for Kuwait Airways flights.
- Terminal 5 (T5): Dedicated terminal for Jazeera Airways flights.
Parking facilities are available at Terminals 1, 4, and 5.
Making Reservations and Book Parking at Kuwait Airport
Currently, Kuwait International Airport does not appear to offer a widespread, centralized online pre-booking system for public parking spaces directly through the DGCA or the main airport website.
Parking is generally operated on a drive-up, first-come, first-served basis.
Companies like UPAC manage significant portions of the parking facilities (especially at T1 and T4), but their public interfaces typically do not feature individual pre-booking portals. Therefore, travellers should plan to find parking upon arrival at their respective terminal.
Parking Fees and Rates at Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
Parking fees at Kuwait International Airport vary by terminal and parking type (Short Term vs. Long Term). The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) sets the official rates.
While a single, universally updated official tariff sheet covering all terminals is not always readily available on the airport's main website, the following information is based on widely reported and historically noted figures, particularly for Terminal 1, and operational details for T4 and T5.
Terminal 1 (T1) Parking Fees (Widely Reported)
- Short-Term Parking (Covered, Ground Floor):
- Rate: 0.500 Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) per hour (or part thereof).
- Long-Term Parking (Multi-Storey Building):
- Rate: 2.000 KWD per day (or part thereof).
Terminal 4 (T4) – Kuwait Airways Terminal Parking
Managed by UPAC. This terminal features Short-Term, Long-Term, and Premium Parking options.
- Drop-off/Pick-up Lane: A grace period of 10 minutes is FREE. Charges apply if this duration is exceeded.
- Standard Parking Rates: Specific hourly/daily rates for T4's standard Short-Term and Long-Term parking are subject to on-site verification.
- Premium Parking: Available at T4, reportedly charged at an additional 0.500 KWD per hour on top of the regular T4 parking rates for that zone.
Terminal 5 (T5) – Jazeera Airways Terminal Parking
Features Short-Term and Long-Term parking options.
- Drop-off/Pick-up Lane: Similar to T4, a grace period of 10 minutes is FREE, with charges applicable thereafter.
- Parking Rates: Specific hourly/daily rates for T5 parking should be verified upon entry or at payment machines.
General Notes on Fees
- It is always advisable to check the signage at the car park entrances or at the payment machines for the most current rates upon arrival, as tariffs can be updated by the DGCA.
- Payment is typically made in Kuwaiti Dinars (KWD).
Steps to Pay for Kuwait Airport Parking
The payment process for parking at KWI is generally automated:
- Entry: Upon approaching the car park entry barrier for your chosen terminal (T1, T4, or T5), an automated system will typically dispense a parking ticket with a timestamp. Take this ticket and keep it in a safe place, as it will be required for payment. Some systems might also utilize Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR).
- Park Vehicle: Proceed to find an available parking bay within the designated Short-Term or Long-Term zones.
- Payment (Before Returning to Vehicle): Before going back to your car to exit, you must pay for your parking at one of the automated Payment Machines. These machines are usually located:
- Within the car parks themselves.
- Near the pedestrian entrances/exits to the terminal buildings.
- At the Payment Machine:
- Insert your parking ticket into the designated slot.
- The machine will calculate the fee based on your duration of stay and display the amount due in KWD.
- Make the payment using the accepted methods (see below).
- Collect Validated Ticket/Receipt: Once payment is made, the machine will usually validate your entry ticket or issue an exit ticket/receipt.
- Exit: Drive to the car park exit barrier. Insert your validated ticket into the slot at the exit machine. The barrier will then lift, allowing you to depart. There is usually a short grace period (e.g., 10-15 minutes) after payment to exit the car park.
Accepted Payment Methods for Kuwait Airport Parking
Payment machines at Kuwait International Airport typically accept the following:
- Cash: Kuwaiti Dinars (KWD) – Ensure you have appropriate denominations.
- KNET: Kuwait's national debit card payment system is widely accepted.
- Credit Cards: Major international credit cards (e.g., Visa, MasterCard) are often accepted at many payment machines, especially in newer facilities like T4.
Online Payment Methods for Kuwait Airport Parking
As online pre-booking is not a standard feature, dedicated online payment methods for parking before arrival are generally not applicable.
Payment is made on-site at the end of your parking duration.
Official Kuwait Airport Parking Website and Information Portals
- Main Airport Website (Parking Information): The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Kuwait website provides some general parking information under its "To & From Airport" section: https://www.kuwaitairport.gov.kw/en/to-from-airport/parking/.
- UPAC (Facility Management): For information on facilities managed by UPAC, including parking at T1 and T4, you can visit their website: https://www.upac.com.kw/. However, this site is more corporate-focused and may not detail specific public tariffs.
For the most accurate on-the-day rates, refer to the signage at the car park entry points and payment kiosks.
Arrivals and Pick-Up Parking at Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
When collecting passengers arriving at Terminals 1, 4, or 5:
- Terminal 1 Arrivals: Utilize the Short-Term Car Park located on the ground floor, which is covered. Standard hourly rates (reportedly 0.500 KWD/hour) apply.
- Terminal 4 & Terminal 5 Arrivals (Pick-Up Lanes): These terminals feature designated pick-up lanes where you have approximately 10 minutes of FREE waiting time. This is suitable if the passenger is already outside and ready for immediate collection. If you exceed this 10-minute grace period, charges will be incurred.
- For Longer Waits at T4 & T5: If you need to wait longer or go inside the terminal, you should use the designated Short-Term Parking areas at T4 or T5. Rates for these should be checked on-site.
Departures and Drop-Off Parking at Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
For dropping off passengers departing from Terminals 1, 4, or 5:
- Terminal 1 Departures: You can use the Short-Term Car Park for drop-offs. If it's a very quick drop, the lanes outside the departures hall may be used, but ensure you adhere to any traffic marshal instructions and do not leave your vehicle unattended. For slightly longer farewells, the Short-Term parking is appropriate.
- Terminal 4 & Terminal 5 Departures (Drop-Off Lanes): These terminals have designated drop-off lanes near the departure entrances. These offer a 10-minute FREE period for quick passenger and luggage unloading. Exceeding this time will result in charges. Drivers should ideally remain with their vehicles.
- Long-Term Parking (All Terminals): If you are a departing passenger looking to leave your vehicle for the duration of your trip, use the designated Long-Term Parking facilities at your respective terminal (T1's is a multi-storey structure; T4 and T5 also have Long-Term options).
Kuwait Airport (KWI) Parking Map and Car Park Locations
While a detailed, interactive map isn't always prominent on the official airport website, the layout is generally as follows:
- Terminal 1 (T1):
- Short-Term Parking: Located on the ground floor directly opposite and adjacent to the T1 terminal building, offering covered spaces.
- Long-Term Parking: Situated in a multi-storey car park building, also close to T1.
- Terminal 4 (T4 - Kuwait Airways): Parking facilities (Short-Term, Long-Term, Premium) are located directly adjacent to the T4 building. Clear signage directs drivers upon approach.
- Terminal 5 (T5 - Jazeera Airways): Parking facilities (Short-Term, Long-Term) are situated next to the T5 building, designed for easy access for Jazeera passengers.
All car parks are generally well-signposted as you approach Kuwait International Airport and then as you get closer to your specific departure terminal.
Follow the road signs for "Terminal 1", "Terminal 4", or "Terminal 5", and then subsequent signs for "Short-Term Parking" or "Long-Term Parking". Airport security regularly patrols all parking areas.
References for Kuwait International Airport, Farwaniya, Kuwait
- Kuwait International Airport Official Website (DGCA): https://www.kuwaitairport.gov.kw/en
- UPAC (United Projects for Aviation Services Company): https://www.upac.com.kw/
- Reported historical parking rates (various news and travel guide sources). Current rates should always be confirmed on-site.