Indian passengers, stranded in Kuwait for over 13 hours, depart for Manchester

Indian passengers, stranded in Kuwait for over 13 hours, depart for Manchester

Mangalore Today News Network

Kuwait, December 2, 2024: Nearly 60 Indian passengers, stranded at the Kuwait airport for more than 13 hours, took off for Manchester in the wee hours of Monday. In an X post, the Indian embassy in Kuwait confirmed Gulf Air flight to Manchester took off at 4.34 am today.

“Gulf Air flight to Manchester finally departed at 0434 hours today carrying stranded Indian passengers among others. Embassy team was on the ground till the flight departed," the post read.

Gulf Air flight to Manchester finally departed at 0434 hours today carrying stranded Indian passengers among others. Embassy team was on the ground till the flight departed. pic.twitter.com/47GVer4Bs4

— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) December 2, 2024

Indian passengers travelling via a flight from Mumbai to England’s Manchester had been stranded after their Gulf Air flight made an emergency landing.

They complained of problems, including not being assisted or being provided food.

Videos on social media also showed some passengers arguing with the airport authorities.

Some alleged they were harassed and only flyers from the European Union, the UK, and the US were given accommodation by the airline. They alleged bias and harassment against those holding Indian, Pakistani, and other Southeast Asian nation passports.

In an X post, the Indian embassy in Kuwait on Sunday said they immediately took up the matter with Gulf Air and also clarified the visa rule in Kuwait for Indians.

It also said a team from the embassy was at the airport to assist the passengers and coordinate with the airline, adding passengers had been accommodated in two airport lounges.

“Efforts are being made to accommodate passengers in the airport hotel which is currently unavailable due to the ongoing GCC Summit. It may be noted that Indian nationals do not fall under visa on arrival facility in Kuwait. All government offices are closed today due to the GCC Summit being hosted by Kuwait," it said.

Embassy @indembkwt had immediately taken up the matter with Gulf Air in Kuwait. A team from Embassy is at the airport to assist the passengers and coordinate with the airline. Passengers have been accommodated in 2 airport lounges. pic.twitter.com/1OySe3KGLc

— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) December 1, 2024

According to some passengers, the flight made a U-turn before it landed in Kuwait. They said the announcement of the flight diversion came 20 minutes before landing.