Several Chinese contractors have entered the race to construct Kuwait’s international airport, and their aggressive approach to cost cutting has prompted a number of British rivals to withdraw, according to the Kuwait Times. The newspaper’s anonymous sources did not name the companies involved. Â
The source said the withdrawal of some British companies reflected a belief that a Chinese consortium was certain to win what he called the "price war". He commented: "My company withdrew although we had provided all guarantees and securities demanded by the Ministry of Public Works."
The airport is set to cost about $6bn and plans to have an initial capacity of 13 million passengers, rising to an eventual 50 million as further phases are completed. The existing international airport has a capacity of 8 million.Â
The airport is designed by Foster + Partners, the architect recently chosen for Mexico City’s $9.2bn airport.Â
The terminal is in the form of a trefoil, with 1.2km symmetrical departure gate wings. These are an allusion to the lateen sails of Kuwait’s dhow sailing boats.Â
The tender process is open until 2 November.Â
