- Flight Disruptions
- Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines extend Kuwait flight disruptions until 8 August
Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines extend Kuwait flight disruptions until 8 August
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 30 July 2026
2
Affected airports
2
Affected airlines
2
Affected airports
2
Affected airlines
Disruption overview
Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines have extended disruption to flights linked to Kuwait until at least 8 August 2026, warning that normal schedules still aren't expected to resume before then. For passengers, that means more canceled or reshuffled journeys and another round of last-minute flight checks.
Qatar Airways has delayed the return of its full Kuwait operation, while Turkish Airlines says cancellations on the Kuwait–Istanbul route are also likely to continue. If you're affected, check your flight before leaving for the airport and review your rebooking or refund options. Compensation will depend on the route and the reason for the disruption, so it's worth checking your rights.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to £520 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Disruption details
Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines have extended disruption to flights linked to Kuwait until at least 8 August 2026, after both airlines warned on 30 July that normal schedules aren't expected to resume before then.
For passengers, that means another week of uncertainty, with canceled flights, revised timings, and the need to check updates before heading to the airport.
Qatar Airways has pushed back the return of its full Kuwait operation until 8 August. The airline has already updated the booking systems used by travel agents to show which services remain suspended, but it says even this revised schedule could still change if conditions shift. If you're flying with Qatar Airways to or from Kuwait, it's worth checking your flight status again just before you leave.
Turkish Airlines has issued a similar warning for its Kuwait–Istanbul route. The airline says cancellations on this connection are also likely to continue until 8 August. If your Turkish Airlines flight is removed from the schedule, the airline says you'll be able to choose free rebooking onto another service or a full refund.
Here's what the airlines have confirmed:
Qatar Airways has delayed the return of its Kuwait services until 8 August 2026.
Turkish Airlines says cancellations on the Kuwait–Istanbul route may continue until the same date.
Passengers should check their flight status before leaving for the airport.
Turkish Airlines is offering free rebooking or a full refund if a flight is removed from the schedule.
Both airlines say the extension is tied to ongoing operational, regulatory, or safety considerations. In practice, that means the situation can still change quickly, and further cancellations or aircraft changes remain possible at short notice.
Travel agencies in Kuwait are also advising customers to stay in close contact with their airline or booking agent and to reconfirm plans shortly before departure. That's especially important while schedules remain provisional and normal operations haven't fully returned.
Compensation isn't straightforward here. Many of these flights fall outside EC 261, the European air passenger rights rules, so whether you can claim will depend on your route and the exact reason for the disruption.
Even so, if your flight is canceled, you should still check the rebooking or refund options offered by your airline. If you're left waiting, passenger protection rules may also require support such as food, drinks, or accommodation, depending on your journey. And if you want a clearer idea of what rights may apply to your trip, AirHelp's free flight checker is a simple place to start.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Airlines affected
Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines
Airports affected
Kuwait International Airport, Istanbul Havalimani Airport
Cities affected
Kuwait, Istanbul
Countries affected
Kuwait, Turkey, Qatar, Türkiye
End date
2026-08-08
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
30 July 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
