The passengers were reportedly stranded for over 13 hours after their Gulf Air flight GF 005 was diverted due to a technical issue. (X/@indembkwt)
New Delhi: The Indian Embassy in Kuwait intervened to assist 60 Indian passengers stranded for 13 hours at Kuwait International Airport after a Gulf Air flight from Mumbai to Manchester made an emergency landing due to an engine fire.
The passengers reported severe hardships, including a lack of food and assistance. A chaotic video circulating on social media showed frustrated passengers arguing with airport authorities, alleging discriminatory treatment. Flyers from the European Union, the UK, and the US were provided accommodation, while passengers holding Indian, Pakistani, and Southeast Asian passports claimed they faced harassment and neglect.
The Indian Embassy promptly raised the matter with Gulf Air and clarified visa rules for Indian nationals in Kuwait. In a statement on X, the embassy said their team is on-site assisting passengers and coordinating with the airline.
“Passengers have been accommodated in two airport lounges, as the airport hotel is currently unavailable due to the GCC Summit,” the embassy stated. They added that food and water have been made available.
Efforts are underway to secure better accommodations for the passengers. However, the ongoing summit and closure of government offices have complicated the process.
Passengers recounted their ordeal, saying the flight took a U-turn before landing in Kuwait, with the diversion announcement made just 20 minutes before landing.
Gulf Air has yet to issue an official statement. Meanwhile, the airline has informed the embassy that an alternative flight to Manchester has been scheduled for 3:30 a.m. on Monday.
The embassy’s timely intervention has provided some relief to the stranded passengers, who await resolution to their plight.
With IANS inputs