Kuwait International Airport Targeted in Drone Attack: Major Fire Erupts at Fuel Depots Amid Regional Tensions

Kuwait City, March 8 (TNA) Kuwait International Airport came under a brazen drone assault early Sunday, striking two fuel tanks operated by the Kuwait Aviation Fueling Company (KAFCO) and igniting a massive blaze, authorities confirmed. No casualties were reported, but the incident has heightened alarms across the Gulf amid escalating regional hostilities.

The “hostile” drones slammed into the airport’s fuel infrastructure late Saturday night, sparking a large fire that firefighters and Kuwaiti military teams battled into the morning. The Kuwait Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that shrapnel from the drones caused material damage to nearby civilian buildings, though operations at the passenger terminal were not directly impacted.

DGCA President Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah oversaw on-site coordination, with emergency protocols swiftly activated to secure the perimeter and assess damage. Airport officials assured travellers that flights continued with minimal disruptions, but security was bolstered region-wide.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as flames lit the night sky, with plumes of smoke visible for miles. Social media erupted with videos of the inferno, amplifying fears of broader conflict spillover.

This marks the second major reported incident at the airport in recent weeks, following a February drone strike on Terminal 1 that injured workers and caused limited structural harm. That attack, amid U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, prompted airspace restrictions and panic among stranded passengers.

Iran has been accused by Gulf states of pressing drone and missile campaigns against neighbours, including strikes on U.S. bases in Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan. Kuwaiti officials have refrained from direct attribution but vowed a robust defence of critical infrastructure.

The assault underscores vulnerabilities in Gulf aviation hubs, already strained by ongoing conflicts. The neighbouring UAE reported intercepting Iranian projectiles, while explosions rocked Doha skies. Analysts warn of potential disruptions to global oil flows, with Brent crude ticking up 2% in early trading.

Kuwait’s government urged calm, emphasising national resilience. International allies, including the U.S., expressed solidarity with calls for de-escalation. Investigations continue, with updates expected from the Ministries of Defence and Interior. Travellers are advised to check flight statuses amid tightened security.