Kuwait International Airport’s highly impressive Commercial Centre continues to set new standards in airport retail.
Also known as the Airport Mall, the 32,000m2 development – located adjacent to the main terminal building and connected seamlessly with both the Departure and Arrival halls – was the first facility of its kind in the Middle East on opening in 2002/3.
Today the ultra-modern architectural surroundings and far-reaching retail programme continue to generate an unforgettable airport experience for even the most seasoned traveller.
Extensive planning has ensured KIA enjoys an exciting commercial concessions programme with an eclectic mix of shops, kiosks, services, and food and beverage outlets flanking both sides of the spacious central plaza on all levels.
On the Arrival level, the Commercial Centre is designed to appeal to three main customer groups – arriving passengers, meeters and greeters, and airport staff/casual visitors. So alongside perfumeries, watch outlets, sportswear stores, travel goods, music stores and bookshops, sit services such as banks, money exchanges, ATM cash points, car rental firms, pharmacy, full service clinic, an insurance kiosk, a barbershop, mobile phone stores and hotel reservation desks.
Vast choice is also on offer in the Food Court, where visitors can replenish their energy levels at around a dozen big-brand eateries.
Precise layout has ensured that concessions enjoy maximum visibility, without unduly impacting on passenger flows, the open plan design helping to eradicate bottlenecks at peak periods. The wide central plaza leads from the Customs Hall directly out to the kerbside pick-up zone, and then on to the short and long-term car parks.
Departing passengers also enjoy a significantly enhanced range of shops. Retail outlets include fine jewellery, garments and souvenirs, as well as world renowned brand name stores. Dining facilities are located on the upper level – a great place to relax with a coffee and watch the world go by.
A key element of the Commercial Centre has been provision of extensive parking, with space provided for around 2,500 vehicles in both short- and long-term zones. Around 70% of the total is in the multistorey short-stay garage, a 120,000m2 three-level facility located immediately adjacent to the Commercial Centre. A further 670 spaces are located in the fully shaded long-term parking lots just a short distance away.
Enhanced security is an integral part of the Commercial Centre complex with high-security door control systems, remote control CCTV and a building automation system all centrally controlled from an operations room.