Jazeera Airways Honored at IDC CIO Excellence Awards for Mission Barakah Operation

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

Jazeera Airways received the IDC CIO Excellence Award for its Mission Barakah operation, which maintained Kuwait's connectivity during the temporary closure of Kuwait International Airport by rapidly deploying technology and establishing alternative transport hubs. The airline’s innovative use of digital tools, including a custom bus monitoring system, enabled efficient coordination of over 1,500 flights and 9,000 bus movements, highlighting the critical role of technology in crisis response and operational resilience.

Jazeera Airways was honored at the IDC CIO Excellence Awards in Kuwait for its Mission Barakah operation, a comprehensive contingency initiative launched earlier this year to sustain essential connectivity for Kuwait during the temporary closure of Kuwait International Airport. The award recognized the airline’s innovation, leadership, and operational impact in managing an unprecedented and complex environment through rapid technology deployment.

Mission Barakah was initiated on March 11, 2026, in response to the airport shutdown and involved establishing alternative operational hubs in Saudi Arabia, alongside creating an integrated air-land corridor to connect passengers with Kuwait. Over the course of the operation, Jazeera Airways managed more than 1,500 flights and executed over 9,000 bus movements. The airline provided approximately 200,000 seats across 27 destinations, utilizing 14 aircraft and engaging over 500 employees to maintain vital transport links.

Barathan Pasupathi, Chief Executive Officer of Jazeera Airways, emphasized the challenge posed by the operation and the central role technology played in its success. He highlighted how digital solutions enabled the airline to swiftly adapt its operations, coordinate multiple locations, and make real-time decisions. Pasupathi described the award as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the airline’s technology teams and the broader workforce.

A key technological advancement during Mission Barakah was the deployment of the R2P Bus Monitoring System, developed within five days, which facilitated precise tracking and coordination of bus movements. This system, alongside enhanced operational dashboards and data-driven tools, offered greater visibility and enabled informed decision-making across various sites involved in the mission.

Praful Thummar, Jazeera Airways’ Vice President of Cybersecurity, AI, and Technology, remarked that the operation illustrated how technology, when aligned with a clear operational goal, can deliver impactful results. He credited the recognition from IDC to the collective efforts of the airline’s teams blending technology, operational skills, and collaboration to maintain Kuwait’s connectivity.

In addition to the award, Jazeera Airways representatives, including Capt. Ayman Alshammari and Praful Thummar, participated in panel discussions focusing on workforce development and practical applications of artificial intelligence, reflecting the airline’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation. Jazeera Airways continues to prioritize technology integration to enhance safety, operational efficiency, scalability, and customer experience across its services.

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