Aviation cooperation between Kuwait and the United Kingdom could see fresh momentum after senior officials from both countries discussed ways to expand collaboration across the sector.

According to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), met with Qudsi Rashid, the UK Ambassador to the State of Kuwait and Northern Ireland.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral aviation ties, including opportunities to exchange expertise and improve coordination to support the air transport system and facilitate passenger movement between the two countries.

KUNA reported that both sides emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and building partnerships that advance shared interests—while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency.

The latest meeting follows earlier engagements aimed at boosting aviation collaboration. Earlier this month, Al-Sabah met the UK’s Trade Commissioner to Kuwait, Lord Iain McNicol, to explore areas such as air traffic control training, the development of infrastructure and operational services, and stronger public-private partnerships linked to strategic projects at Kuwait International Airport, the DGCA said in a statement to KUNA.

The talks were framed as part of Kuwait’s push to benefit from British expertise in supporting civil aviation development.

Cooperation between the two countries has also extended into the airline and engineering space. In May, Kuwait Airways and the UK’s Rolls-Royce Holding Group agreed to enhance efforts to develop the airline’s aircraft engine systems, with the goal of improving operational efficiency—an initiative KUNA said would ultimately benefit passengers onboard the flag carrier.

On the commercial side, Kuwait Airways has also expanded connectivity between the two markets. In February, the airline increased its Kuwait–London operation to 16 weekly flights, aiming to provide travellers with greater flexibility and convenience.

Aviation was also part of broader diplomatic engagement last year. In July, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, during an official visit to Kuwait, met Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, including cooperation in trade, investment, and security, according to Arab News.

Kuwait deported around 3,500 expatriates last month as part of an ongoing national crackdown on violations of residency and labour laws, local media reported.

According to the Ministry of Interior, the deportations followed extensive security operations conducted across all governorates. The coordinated campaign targeted individuals found working illegally, absconding from their employers, or otherwise breaching immigration regulations.

Officials said the crackdown reflects the government’s continued efforts to uphold the law, strengthen national security, and bring order to the labour market. The ministry stressed that enforcing residency and employment rules remains a top priority to ensure fair regulation and protect public safety.

In recent years, Kuwait has stepped up measures to address illegal employment and curb residency violations, resulting in the removal of thousands of expatriates. Authorities noted that similar campaigns in previous years have led to the deportation of tens of thousands of foreign workers as part of the country’s broad plan to organise the labour sector and maintain social stability.

Aviation cooperation between Kuwait and the United Kingdom could see fresh momentum after senior officials from both countries discussed ways to expand collaboration across the sector.

According to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), met with Qudsi Rashid, the UK Ambassador to the State of Kuwait and Northern Ireland.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral aviation ties, including opportunities to exchange expertise and improve coordination to support the air transport system and facilitate passenger movement between the two countries.

KUNA reported that both sides emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and building partnerships that advance shared interests—while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency.

The latest meeting follows earlier engagements aimed at boosting aviation collaboration. Earlier this month, Al-Sabah met the UK’s Trade Commissioner to Kuwait, Lord Iain McNicol, to explore areas such as air traffic control training, the development of infrastructure and operational services, and stronger public-private partnerships linked to strategic projects at Kuwait International Airport, the DGCA said in a statement to KUNA.

The talks were framed as part of Kuwait’s push to benefit from British expertise in supporting civil aviation development.

Cooperation between the two countries has also extended into the airline and engineering space. In May, Kuwait Airways and the UK’s Rolls-Royce Holding Group agreed to enhance efforts to develop the airline’s aircraft engine systems, with the goal of improving operational efficiency—an initiative KUNA said would ultimately benefit passengers onboard the flag carrier.

On the commercial side, Kuwait Airways has also expanded connectivity between the two markets. In February, the airline increased its Kuwait–London operation to 16 weekly flights, aiming to provide travellers with greater flexibility and convenience.

Aviation was also part of broader diplomatic engagement last year. In July, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, during an official visit to Kuwait, met Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, including cooperation in trade, investment, and security, according to Arab News.