December 5, 2024

Indian passengers stranded in Kuwait for 13 hours finally head to Manchester

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Several Indian passengers traveling from Mumbai to Manchester were stranded at Kuwait Airport for over 13 hours after their Gulf Air flight made an emergency landing. The passengers finally departed for their destination around 4:30 a.m. on Monday, after facing a long and uncomfortable wait.

The ordeal began on Sunday when the flight made an unscheduled stop at Kuwait. The passengers claimed they were not provided with adequate food, accommodation, or even lounge access. Frustrated passengers shared videos on social media, showing heated arguments with airport authorities.

In response, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait quickly stepped in. The embassy’s team was on the ground throughout the night, assisting the stranded passengers. It also clarified the visa rules, noting that Indian nationals do not have Visa-on-Arrival access in Kuwait. With government offices closed for the GCC Summit, the embassy explained that assistance would be limited, but it continued to work closely with Gulf Air to resolve the situation.

To manage the crisis, passengers were relocated to two airport lounges as the airport hotel remained unavailable due to the summit. Food and water were provided to the passengers during their wait. The embassy assured passengers that their concerns were being addressed and remained at the airport until the flight departed.

This incident highlights the challenges travelers can face during unexpected stops, particularly in countries with strict visa requirements and during high-profile events like the GCC Summit. Despite the setbacks, the timely intervention of the Indian Embassy and the availability of basic amenities helped resolve the issue.