Kuwait City, 24 February 2025. Deerns advances Kuwait Airport’s growth and modernisation with improved safety and efficiency.
Kuwait International Airport is a vital gateway in the Middle East, with a prominent position in regional and global aviation networks, handling millions of passengers and extensive cargo each year.
To meet growing demands and ensure safety and operational excellence, the airport is undergoing extensive modernizations and expansions. Deerns is contributing towards this journey with seasoned expertise in aviation systems and programme management, guiding the project through its complex, multi-phased development.
" Our mission goes beyond installing systems; it's about bolstering the airport’s path toward becoming an aviation hub that exceeds standards in safety and efficiency.
Scope of Deerns’ Work
Deerns is working closely with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in Kuwait and our partner Dar Al-Nabhan to deliver 17 specific crucial systems . Our responsibilities are the overall programme management, consisting of procurement, contracts management and technical supervision of systems installations for both air traffic management (ATM) and meteorology projects (MET).
" With a team representing 15 nationalities, Deerns brings a diverse range of technical knowledge and international experience, crucial for this multi-faceted endeavour.
Our contributions focus on enhancing Kuwait’s ATM systems, which include both communication, navigation and surveillance tools essential for managing safe landings, take-offs, and airspace operations. Equally essential is our work in upgrading meteorological services, enabling precise weather forecasting and observation, vital in a region known for often challenging weather conditions.
Key Air Navigation Projects
One of the project’s flagship efforts is the fit-out of a new control tower and a state-of-the-art 360-degree tower simulator.
" This advanced tower simulator is designed for training air traffic controllers under real-world conditions, allowing DGCA to maintain the highest standards in air traffic management.
The simulator’s ability to re-create complex scenarios – from weather extremes to high-traffic coordination – equips controllers to handle any situation confidently and efficiently.
Another key development is the deployment of the Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS). This radar-based technology provides controllers with a comprehensive view of all aircraft and ground vehicle movements across runways, taxiways, and aprons. As Kuwait Airport grows to include a third runway, A-SMGCS will be pivotal in managing the increased traffic flow and ensuring that ground operations remain safe and well-coordinated, particularly during poor visibility conditions.
To further support Kuwait’s airspace management, we are installing new Aerodrome Surveillance Radars (ASR). These will enhance radar coverage for both overflights and incoming or departing aircraft. This radar expansion is complemented by expansion of the Instrument Landing System (ILS), providing precise landing guidance for aircraft, especially under low-visibility conditions.
Lastly, the Kuwait Airport Data Interchange Network (KADIN) is being expanded to integrate all essential communication systems across the airport. This network upgrade is critical for seamless, secure data transfer between systems, ensuring operational continuity across all facets of the airport.
Enhancing Meteorological Capabilities
In addition to air navigation, Deerns is supporting substantial advancements in Kuwait ’s meteorological systems. With a climate prone to extremes – from sandstorms to intense heat – precise weather observation and forecasting are crucial for the country’s timely response to sand-, dust- and rainstorms, and for safe and continuous airport operations.
One of the most impactful upgrades is the Wind Shear Alerting System (WAS), which monitors and warns of sudden wind shifts, essential for flight safety during take-offs and landings.
For observation there are Automatic Weather Observation Systems on all runways, as well as a separate network of around 40 observation stations placed strategically across land and sea to provide comprehensive weather data. These installations, which deliver real-time insights on conditions across the country, will be upgraded and expanded in areas with insufficient coverage.
To process the vast amounts of collected weather data, Deerns is also implementing the Meteorological Data Processing (MDP) system. This advanced computing tool aggregates and analyses data from across Kuwait, aiding in forecasting weather events such as dust and sandstorms.
Challenges and Achievements
The Kuwait Airport project has not been without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, which limited international travel and hindered on-site operations, extended project timelines. However, Deerns adapted swiftly, implementing remote work protocols and coordinating with local teams to keep progress on track.
" The collaboration of our multinational team has been instrumental throughout the process, fostering a rich environment of shared expertise and innovation.
By meeting these challenges proactively, Deerns has remained committed to delivering excellence, and we are on course to meet the client’s objectives by 2027. Our unwavering focus on safety, efficiency and sustainability continues to shape Kuwait Airport’s journey toward becoming a world-class aviation hub.
Supporting Growth and Safety: Looking Ahead
As Kuwait Airport moves forward with its expansion, Deerns is dedicated to supporting every step of this transformation. The work we’re doing today will support Kuwait’s growth trajectory, fostering an airport environment that upholds the highest standards of safety, efficiency and resilience. With our deep-rooted expertise in aviation systems and project management, Deerns is honoured to play a role in shaping Kuwait Airport’s future, strengthening its position as a modern gateway to the world.
