Indian Passengers Stranded at Kuwait Airport After Gulf Air Flight Diversion
Stranded in Kuwait: Indian Passengers Face Delays and Frustration on Manchester Flight
Kuwait City, kuwait – Over 60 Indian passengers traveling from Mumbai to Manchester found themselves stranded at Kuwait International Airport for over 13 hours on Sunday, December 1st, after their Gulf Air flight GF 005 was diverted due to a technical snag.The passengers, who were reportedly denied access to food, accommodation, or basic assistance during their extended wait, took to social media to voice their frustration, prompting intervention from the Indian Embassy in Kuwait.
airport1733100491231_1733100495471.jfif” alt=”Passengers stranded at Kuwait International Airport after their flight was diverted.” title=”Passengers stranded at Kuwait International airport after their flight was diverted.”>Arzoo Singh, one of the stranded passengers, described the ordeal, stating, “We were unable to leave the airport because we didn’t have a transit visa. Passengers with UK and US passports were allowed to exit due to the availability of a transit visa on arrival.”
The situation escalated as passengers shared their experiences on social media, catching the attention of the Indian Embassy.
“After we raised the issue on social media, senior officials from the Indian Embassy in Kuwait reached out to us,” Singh explained.
Following discussions, airport authorities agreed to accommodate senior citizens and passengers traveling with infants in a facility within the airport. However, the arrangements for the remaining passengers remained unclear.
“Indian embassy officials are in talks with the airline to arrange an alternate flight at the earliest,” Singh added.
Responding to the situation,the Indian Embassy in Kuwait announced on X (formerly Twitter),”Embassy has been informed by Gulf Air that the flight for stranded passengers from Kuwait to Manchester is tentatively scheduled at 3:30 am on December 2nd.This is being conveyed to all passengers by the Embassy team at the airport.”
Later, the Embassy confirmed that a team was present at the airport to assist passengers and coordinate with the airline, adding that passengers had been accommodated in two airport lounges.
Singh had previously alleged that passengers were informed they were not entitled to transit visas. “They said ‘if you’re entitled passport holders, and indians and Pakistanis are not entitled passport holders’, they literally told us if you’re entitled for a transit visa, only then we can put you in a hotel outside,” she claimed in an interview with NDTV.
She further alleged that passengers were initially denied basic necessities. “We asked for blankets, we asked for food. They didn’t give.no one even gave us water for the first four hours,” Singh stated.
India to Kuwait passenger nightmare: An Expert Weighs In
News Directory 3: In light of the recent Gulf Air flight diversion incident leaving over 60 Indian passengers stranded in Kuwait, we spoke with aviation expert, Dr. Lina Khalil, to gain insight into passenger rights and airline responsibilities during such disruptions.
ND3: Dr. Khalil, the passengers faced a 13-hour delay at Kuwait International Airport without access to basic amenities. What are the international regulations governing airlines in such situations?
Dr. Khalil: Passenger rights vary depending on the airline’s policies and the region’s regulations.However, under international conventions, airlines are generally obligated to provide reasonable care to passengers experiencing delays exceeding a certain duration. This typically includes refreshments, accommodation, and communication regarding the delay.
ND3: The passengers were reportedly denied access to food, water, and blankets for several hours. What recourse do passengers have against the airlines in such cases?
Dr. Khalil: In cases of inadequate care,passengers can file complaints with the airlines and,if necessary,with the relevant aviation authorities in their home country. Documentation such as boarding passes, receipts for expenses incurred due to the delay, and any communication with the airline can strengthen their claim.
ND3: What about the transit visa issue? Did the airline have any responsibility to assist passengers in obtaining visas?
Dr. Khalil: Typically,airlines are not responsible for securing visas for passengers. However, they should provide accurate facts regarding visa requirements and assist passengers in understanding their options.
ND3: The Indian Embassy intervened to help the stranded passengers. How common is it for embassies to get involved in such situations?
Dr. Khalil: Embassies often step in to assist their citizens abroad facing difficulties, especially in situations involving major travel disruptions or humanitarian concerns.
ND3: what advice would you give to travelers facing unexpected flight delays or cancellations?
Dr. Khalil: Always purchase travel insurance,keep essential documents handy,know your passenger rights,and communicate any concerns with the airline promptly.In case of meaningful delays, contact your embassy for assistance.