Kuwait plans for USD6bn airport expansion

Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation president Fawaz Abdul-Aziz Al-Farah revealed the country plans to invest USD6 billion towards the expansion of Kuwait International Airport in order to achieve capacity of 13 million passengers p/a by 2016. Mr Al-Farah stated related construction works were expected to commence in 2012. The planned passenger terminal expansion will bring the terminal's total area to 710,000sqm and is expected to cost USD3 billion, while the remaining USD3 billion will be invested in other airport projects including runway expansions, a new control tower and a new cargo area. The airport currently has capacity for 7 million passengers p/a and handled 8.5 million passengers in 2011.