Kuwait sees dramatic drop in passenger numbers

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Kuwait Airport Duty Free said it suffered a dramatic drop in passengers during March owing to the war in neighbouring Iraq

Total passenger traffic was down by 28% and outbound passengers were down by 8% compared with March 2002 figures.

"This has adversely affected business at Kuwait Airport Duty Free," said a spokesperson for the company. "Although we have remained fully operational on a 24-hour basis since the start of the conflict, sales were below forecasts by 25% for the month of March 2003 and 8% behind March 2002 figures."

However, the retailer said there was a "silver lining", as first quarter results were ahead of 2002 figures by 6%. It believes that a quick end to the conflict, which already seems likely, will allow companies in the region to return to normal business conditions.

"There is also cautious optimism that after the liberation of Iraq, Kuwait will witness a trading and travel boom and recover most of the losses incurred since the start of the conflict," said the spokesperson. "Already many companies in Kuwait are preparing to have a hand in rebuilding Iraq. Given the location of Kuwait and the presence of US and British personnel, we believe that at least some of the trading and channelling of the goods and supply lines will be done through Kuwait, thereby generating new avenues for business development."