KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait International Airport (KWI) stayed largely closed to regular commercial passenger traffic Monday as authorities continued safety assessments and repairs following a series of Iranian-linked drone attacks that damaged radar systems, fuel storage facilities and infrastructure since late February 2026.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Public Authority for Civil Aviation have suspended most operations, with no confirmed reopening date announced. Flight tracking sites and the official airport website showed virtually no scheduled arrivals or departures, displaying messages prompting travelers to contact airlines directly. Kuwait Airways has suspended all flights indefinitely from KWI, rerouting some operations through alternative hubs such as King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

The troubles escalated with multiple drone strikes reported in late February and early March, including attacks on March 28 that damaged radar systems and sparked fires at fuel depots. Additional strikes in early April targeted fuel tanks, causing large fires and further structural damage to Terminal 1 and runways. Officials described one incident as a “brazen attack” on critical infrastructure, with smoke visible from affected areas and emergency teams responding to contain blazes.

As of April 6, 2026, the airport has been effectively shut to standard commercial traffic for more than five weeks. Some limited cargo or military-related movements may continue under strict controls, but civilian passenger flights remain heavily disrupted or canceled. FlightStats reported excessive and increasing delays where any activity occurred, while Flightradar24 and other trackers showed near-zero commercial operations.

Travelers face significant chaos. Hundreds of passengers have been stranded or forced to rebook through neighboring countries. Kuwait Airways advised customers to check with local offices or the airport for updates, with many long-haul routes to destinations such as London, New York, Geneva and regional hubs either canceled or suspended. Some airlines have implemented hybrid ground-and-air transfer arrangements via Saudi Arabia to maintain limited connectivity.

The closures stem from both physical damage and precautionary airspace restrictions imposed amid heightened regional tensions involving the U.S., Israel and Iran. Kuwait’s airspace has been closed to most commercial civilian flights since late February, with air defense operations taking priority. Even after repairs, full resumption will require safety inspections, clearance of restricted airspace and confirmation that infrastructure meets international aviation standards.

Kuwait International Airport, one of the busiest in the Gulf with millions of passengers annually before the crisis, serves as a key hub for Kuwait Airways and several international carriers. The prolonged shutdown has sent shockwaves through regional travel, affecting tourism, business travel and expatriate movements in a country heavily reliant on foreign labor and oil-driven commerce.

Authorities have held cabinet-level meetings focused on aviation recovery, economic safeguards and coordination with international partners. Repair timelines remain unclear, with estimates ranging from several weeks to months depending on the extent of damage to radar, terminals, runways and fuel systems. No casualties were reported in the strikes, but the psychological and economic impact on travelers and the aviation sector has been significant.

Regional ripple effects include increased pressure on alternative airports in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar. Some carriers have added or expanded flights from those hubs to accommodate displaced passengers. Jazeera Airways and other low-cost operators have adjusted networks, with some launching or restarting routes that bypass Kuwait temporarily.

For passengers holding tickets involving KWI, airlines recommend checking flight status frequently and preparing for rebooking or refunds. Many have faced difficulties contacting customer service amid high call volumes. Travel insurance claims related to disruptions are expected to rise, while some governments have issued or updated advisories urging caution in the region.

The situation highlights the vulnerability of Gulf aviation infrastructure to geopolitical conflicts. Previous incidents, including temporary airspace closures and refueling interruptions, caused shorter disruptions, but the current series of drone attacks has caused more sustained damage. Smoke from fuel facility fires and reports of panic in terminals during incidents underscored the severity.

Kuwait’s government has activated emergency response protocols, with civil defense and military units involved in securing the site and supporting repairs. International aviation bodies are monitoring developments, though no formal global alerts beyond standard conflict-zone advisories have been issued.

As Monday progressed, scattered reports mentioned temporary refueling interruptions causing further delays on any limited departing flights, according to statements from the General Authority for Civil Aviation. However, the broader picture remained one of suspended operations rather than normal activity with delays.

Travelers planning trips to or through Kuwait are urged to contact their airlines well in advance and monitor official channels, including the Kuwait Airport website and Kuwait Airways updates. No immediate resumption of full services is expected, with some advisories suggesting the situation could persist into mid-April or beyond.

The prolonged closure has broader economic implications for Kuwait, a nation where aviation supports significant expatriate flows and business ties. Oil sector workers, medical tourists and family visitors have been particularly affected.

While exact repair costs and timelines remain undisclosed, officials emphasize that safety remains the top priority. Full operations will resume only after comprehensive assessments confirm the airport meets all required standards.

In the meantime, passengers are advised to explore alternative routes via neighboring Gulf states. Some carriers have offered flexible rebooking policies or compensation where applicable under international regulations.

The events at Kuwait International Airport serve as a stark reminder of how regional conflicts can rapidly disrupt global travel networks. As repairs continue and diplomatic efforts unfold, travelers and airlines alike await clearer signals on when normal operations might return to this vital Gulf hub.

Anyone affected by cancellations should retain all documentation for potential claims and stay updated through reliable sources. The situation remains fluid, with new developments possible as assessments progress.

Unidentified, sophisticated drones flying over a handful of U.S. military bases could be a warning sign from China, Gordon Chang warned Monday, suggesting Beijing could target the American homeland if the U.S. becomes more involved in its conflict with Iran.

“The important point here is that we have had, last month, over four of our important military bases, foreign drones. These drones were large, they were un-hackable, they obviously were not recreational, so some foreign power — probably China, maybe Russia — was operating drones over our critical air force bases,” Chang said on “Mornings with Maria.” 

“Really, right now, the United States needs to be able to defend its bases in the homeland because those drone flights were a warning to the United States of some sort,” he continued.

GORDON CHANG URGES US TO TREAT CHINA AS ‘ENEMY COMBATANT,’ WARNS SUBS OPERATING ‘VERY CLOSE’ TO US

Chinese President Xi Jinping applauds during the joint press conference of the China-Central Asia Summit in Xian, China, on May 19, 2023. (Florence Lo/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Chang suggested the drone activity could be an attempt to send President Donald Trump the message that, if U.S. forces escalate in the region, China could respond by potentially targeting bases on American soil.

That warning, coupled with a recent suspicious device left near MacDill Air Force Base in Florida — which Chang suggested may have been linked to China — highlights a growing threat, he warned.

IRAN STRIKES COULD SIGNAL LIMITS OF BEIJING, MOSCOW’S POWER AS US FLEXES STRENGTH

“The Coming Collapse of China” author Gordon Chang has consistently warned about the threat the U.S. adversary poses. (Fox Nation)

“We’ve really got to be concerned,” he said, later adding, “These are warnings that China intends to move on the U.S. in the American homeland.”

Chang also warned that Beijing’s actions should be viewed in the context of its growing alignment with other U.S. adversaries like Russia and Iran, as tensions continue to spill across multiple global fronts.

“China is supporting Russia in Ukraine, and China is supporting Russia in other matters as well… So they have a durable partnership, and anything that helps one of them is going to generally help the other, with the exception of the matter that you just raised,” he said, referring to the tension between higher oil prices benefiting Russia while raising costs for China.

“Generally speaking, the United States now faces a very powerful combination, and we shouldn’t be doing anything that fuels that combination,” he added.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.

SYDNEY — With the grand finale of Australian Idol 2026 just days away, 18-year-old powerhouse vocalist Harlan Goode from Brisbane has surged as the clear favorite among fans and commentators to claim the season 11 title on Channel Seven.

The competition, which premiered Feb. 2 on Seven and 7plus, reaches its climax with live performances from the remaining top six contestants expected around April 13-14 at the Coliseum in Rooty Hill. Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie, the season has featured judges Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines and Amy Shark delivering their signature mix of tough love and encouragement.

Goode, often praised for his mature tone, emotional depth and stage presence that evokes comparisons to Adam Lambert without imitation, has consistently wowed audiences and the panel with powerhouse ballads. Fan comments on the official Australian Idol Facebook page repeatedly declare him the “full package” and “superstar material,” with many predicting he will take the crown. “Harlan has to win based on talent,” one viewer posted, while others noted his youth gives him “his whole life ahead” to build a career.

The top six, announced in late March, include Goode alongside strong contenders Jacinta Guirguis, Kalani Artis, and others who have survived intense public voting rounds. Earlier, the top 12 featured diverse talents such as soul singer Charlie Moon from Perth, Kesha Oayda, Simela Petridis, Trè Samuels and more. Multiple eliminations narrowed the field through March, with public votes deciding most fates after the live shows began.

Kalani Artis has drawn significant attention for his smooth, distinctive style. YouTube comments on his “Don’t Dream It’s Over” performance during Aussie Week called him a potential “Australian Idol 2026” with a sound blending Harry Styles and Calum Scott. Some fans argue he “does not miss a key” and possesses his own identity. Jacinta Guirguis also features prominently in fan predictions for a top-three finish.

Season 11 has emphasized artist development more than past iterations, according to executive producer Joel McCormack. The show aims to launch sustainable careers rather than one-hit wonders, building on recent winners like Dylan Wright, who earned chart success and awards after his 2024 victory. The 2025 champion, Marshall Hamburger, a 19-year-old Queenslander, walked away with $100,000 and a recording deal; early signs suggest 2026’s winner could follow a similar path with strong original material potential.

Public voting has been fierce. After the top 12 performances, eliminations shook up expectations, sending some early standouts home despite strong judge feedback. By the top 10 and top 8 stages, viewer support proved decisive. Contestants like Simela Petridis advanced with judge saves or strong audience backing, highlighting the mix of vocal talent and fan engagement that defines Idol.

Judges have played a pivotal role. Sandilands, known for his blunt assessments, Hines with her legendary insight as a former Idol mentor figure, and Shark bringing contemporary pop credibility, have guided the field. Guest appearances added star power, but the core trio’s chemistry has kept the show engaging through auditions, knockouts and transformation week makeovers.

Goode’s journey began with a standout audition that earned him a fast pass into the top 12 in some reports, though details vary across coverage. His ability to deliver emotional, technically sound performances week after week has built a dedicated following. Fans on social media and fan groups frequently list him, Jacinta and Kalani as the likely top three, with debates centering on who commands the most votes in the final stretch.

The prize remains substantial: $100,000 cash plus a recording contract, offering the winner immediate industry access. Past contestants have leveraged the platform for tours, ARIA nominations and sustained careers. Producers stress this season’s focus on preparing artists for the road, with several top 12 members already demonstrating touring readiness in judge feedback.

As the finale nears, speculation fills social platforms. Some viewers predict an upset if a dark horse like Tre Samuels or a returning bottom-two survivor gains momentum. Others insist Goode’s consistent excellence makes him unstoppable. Betting sites have not yet posted formal odds for the 2026 finale, but informal fan sentiment heavily favors the young Brisbane singer.

The live grand finale will see the top contestants deliver signature hits and possibly original material before Australia votes one last time. Tickets were reportedly available for the April 13-14 shows, promising a high-energy night with studio audience and celebrity guests.

Australian Idol’s return to Seven has maintained strong viewership, capitalizing on nostalgia while introducing fresh voices. The 2026 season follows the 2025 win by Marshall Hamburger, whose post-show momentum included new singles and touring. Whomever claims victory this year steps into a franchise with proven star-making power — from Guy Sebastian’s enduring success to more recent alumni carving independent paths.

For now, all eyes remain on Harlan Goode. His vocal range, emotional connection and undeniable star quality have positioned him as the contestant to beat. Yet Idol history shows that public voting can deliver surprises, especially when multiple strong vocalists remain.

Jacinta Guirguis brings a compelling story and vocal fire that resonates with many. Kalani Artis offers a modern, genre-blending appeal that could capture younger voters. The final performances will likely decide whether Goode’s frontrunner status holds or if another talent rises in the decisive vote.

As the clock ticks toward the April finale, excitement builds across Australia. Fans are urged to vote via the official 7plus app or SMS when lines open. The winner will not only take home the title but launch what producers hope becomes a lasting music career.

With the top six delivering their best, the 2026 Australian Idol promises a memorable conclusion to another captivating season. Whether Harlan Goode fulfills fan predictions or another name is called on finale night, the competition has once again showcased the depth of Australian singing talent.