Kuwait makes drug and alcohol testing mandatory for airport staff

Companies have been directed to provide proof of compliance by September 4

Last updated: August 19, 2025 | 13:11

1 MIN READ

Passengers queue at the check-in counters prior to their departure at Kuwait International Airport. The aviation authority said the new policy reflects its commitment to ensuring operational safety and public confidence in the country’s main airport, a critical regional hub.

AFP file

Dubai: Kuwait has made drug and alcohol testing mandatory for staff at Kuwait International Airport, a sweeping measure aimed at tightening safety standards, the Kuwait Times reported.

The Public Authority for Civil Aviation instructed companies operating at the airport to conduct medical screenings for all employees holding licences issued by the authority.

The tests will cover narcotics, psychotropic substances and alcohol, and must be carried out by an accredited medical authority within the month, officials said.

Also Read: Gift gone wrong: Expat arrested at Kuwait airport for smuggling drug in luggage

Companies have been directed to provide proof of compliance by September 4, including copies of test results or certified medical reports. One firm has already notified employees with technical licences that screenings will begin Monday, warning that refusal to undergo testing would be treated as a positive result.

Also Read: Kuwait court jails six, including police officers, for plotting to frame citizen on drug charges

The aviation authority said the new policy reflects its commitment to ensuring operational safety and public confidence in the country’s main airport, a critical regional hub.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.