Episode 2 - Inside Kuwait Airways: What You Don’t See

In this episode of The Middle Ground, we sit down with Abdulmohsen Alfagaan, Chairman of Kuwait Airways, to explore what it means to lead a national carrier at a time of disruption, transformation, and increasing global pressure. From recent regional developments affecting aviation, to the deeper economics of running an airline, this conversation goes beyond headlines, into the decisions, structures, and realities that shape the industry. We discuss: What happens behind the scenes when aviation is disrupted How airlines absorb shocks — from COVID to geopolitical tensions The role of state support and ownership in aviation Kuwait Airways’ transformation and positioning in a competitive region What it takes to lead under pressure. This is not just a conversation about aviation, but about responsibility, strategy, and the complexity of operating at the intersection of business and national identity. 00:00 – Intro 02:00 – The weight of leading a national carrier 13:13 – Aviation under pressure 23:11 – Why are passengers always absorbing the losses? 31:35 – Episode Sponsor: Kuwait Chemical House 32:50 – The economics of airlines and state support 32:00 – Transformation and competition in the region 42:00 – Who is on the other side of a crisis call 46:36 – Past vs. Future: the road back to excellency 55:32 – KAC vs. regional airlines: where is it positioned today? 59:10 – What challenges change the most? 01:02:15 – What other airlines know that we don't? 01:06:20 – Kuwait as a regional aviation hub: myth or reality? 01:12:43 – Personal leadership, at a board level 01:16:43 – Closing thoughts 🤝 This episode is supported by Kuwait Chemical House : https://www.kuwaitchemicalhouse.com 📌 We would like to thank our partners at ⁨@studio8_kuwait⁩ for the location and production. 🔔 Subscribe for more New conversations with business leaders and policymakers shaping the region.