PACA Signs KD18.6 Million 5-Year Deal with UK’s NATS for Air Navigation

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, July 26, 2026

Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation has signed an 18.6 million dinar contract with the UK's National Air Traffic Services to manage and develop air navigation operations at Kuwait International Airport for five years. This partnership aims to upgrade Kuwait’s air traffic systems, enhance operational efficiency, and train national personnel in line with international aviation standards.

Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) has entered into a five-year agreement with the United Kingdom’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS) to oversee air navigation operations at Kuwait International Airport. The contract, signed on July 25, is valued at 18.6 million Kuwaiti dinars (approximately 60 million U.S. dollars).

The deal encompasses the management, operation, monitoring, control, maintenance, enhancement, and development of air navigation services at the airport. It was signed on behalf of PACA by Director General Sheikh Engineer Humoud Mubarak Al-Hamoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, while NATS was represented by its managing director and executive vice president of global services.

Saad Al-Otaibi, Deputy Director General for Planning and Projects at PACA, described the agreement as a key component of Kuwait’s broader strategy to upgrade its air navigation capabilities. He emphasized that the initiative is aligned with directives from the country’s political leadership and is closely supervised by the Director General. The main objectives include improving operational efficiency, bolstering management practices, enhancing monitoring and maintenance protocols, and advancing the development of all facets of air navigation services.

The project also aims to modernize Kuwait’s airspace and flight routes in line with the latest regional and international aviation standards. This modernization will adhere to guidelines set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Al-Otaibi noted that the agreement involves deploying a comprehensive air traffic management system, as well as overseeing and assessing the maintenance and control of all related equipment and facilities.

In addition to technological and infrastructural upgrades, the contract includes measures to train and qualify national personnel, enhancing their skills and capacity in the air navigation sector. PACA will also receive expert recommendations for ongoing rehabilitation and development plans to maintain and elevate the quality of air navigation services at Kuwait International Airport over the course of the contract.

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