Companies will be prequalified to bid on package three of Kuwait International airport by the end of March.

Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) says that companies are scheduled to send in prequalification documents for package three on 21 February, although the initial deadline was 20 February (MEED

Package three involves building a new 4.5-kilometre runway, the reconstruction and extension of the existing eastern runway to 4km, and primary and secondary access roads and taxiways.

The progress of package three has been delayed since it was first tendered in 2009. Australia’s Gulf Leighton together with local Alghanim International General Trading & Contracting Company was the low bidder for the $485m tender, but it was subsequently cancelled in July 2010 and restructured.

The development of Kuwait International airport consists of three major packages. Package one comprises the upgrade of two further existing runways, including taxiways, aprons and access roads.

The DGCA expects packages one and three to be completed by 2014.     

Package two involves the construction of an administration building, car parks and two fire stations. The local Mohammed Abdulmohsin al-Kharafi & Sons General Trading & Contracting Company won this contract in April 2010.

The planned $747m terminal is a separate project. The DGCA has been in talks with the government to allow the terminal to come under its jurisdiction, as it is currently the responsibility of the Public Works Ministry. A source at the DGCA says no decision has yet been made over the terminal.