The DGCA's website is a comprehensive data resource and covers almost every aspect of Kuwait International Airport. As well as real-time flight arrivals and departures, features include the latest weather forecast and useful information on airport services, facilities and contact information.
Want to get the latest news on what's happening at Kuwait International Airport? Then cyber surf right over to the DGCA's website at www.dgca.gov.kw – the airport's 24-hour virtual window to the world.
The website is a comprehensive data resource and covers almost every aspect of KIA. In addition to useful information on airport services and facilities, features include online lost luggage reporting and the latest weather forecast from the KIA Meteorological Department. Sections covering the role and responsibilities of the DGCA are highly informative as are the latest statistics on traffic levels at the airport.
Arrivals and departures are all online and updated in real-time direct from the airport's flight information system, while aircrew will find aeronautical information, including the latest summary NOTAMs, available to download.
Another useful enhancement, following exhaustive testing and the signing of contracts with Kuwait's mobile phone operators, is the introduction of SMS text messaging of flight information and weather forecasts.
As part of the DGCA's commitment to implement the "e-government" initiative, the ISD has finalised placing the technical conditions and standards for the "e-gate" for air transport personnel to process all transactions electronically. The ISD expects to further expand the capabilities of the KIA website to include online application for the annual permits needed to enter secure areas at KIA.
Of course, the airport website is just the most publicly visible face of the myriad IT-related responsibilities handled by the ISD. Other major projects include extension of the airport's fibre-optic system to connect all departments to the DGCA network, installation of more powerful servers and renewal of all PC workstations, ensuring that even the most remote DGCA departments are always online. The ISD is involved in drawing up phased plans for development, implementation of projects, identification of the automation needs and the necessary technical workforce. Furthermore, it provides computer support as well as scientific and technical advice across all IT systems for departments throughout the airport, providing guidance on how to optimise the benefits of the automated information systems it prepares and supervises as a central data bank at the DGCA level.
The drive towards making KIA a paperless environment is ongoing, with a digital archiving system now operational in several departments and expected to be installed airport-wide in the near future. The system allows existing paper documents to be scanned and stored in a central archive, ready for instant recall when required.
