60 Indians Stranded at Kuwait Airport Depart for Manchester After 13-Hour Delay

Sixty Indian passengers stranded at Kuwait International Airport for over 13 hours finally departed for Manchester early Monday morning. after their Gulf Air flight, GF 005, faced a technical snag.

The flight, originating from Mumbai, was diverted to Kuwait on Sunday, leaving passengers in distress due to a lack of food, accommodation, and basic assistance. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait intervened after passengers raised concerns on social media, bringing the situation to light.

In a statement, the embassy confirmed the flight’s departure at 4:34 a.m. local time. “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 embassy posted on X.

Passengers reported feeling neglected as other travelers, particularly those with British passports, were offered accommodation and assistance. Indian passengers, however, were initially left without essential support, sparking outrage online.

“Reading Why Bharat Matters while stuck in Kuwait without help. British passport holders got hotels with on-arrival visas, but Indian passport holders were stranded without info or food. Please provide visas so we can wait for the next flight in comfort,” passenger Shivansh posted on X.

Arzoo Singh, another passenger, expressed frustration over the ordeal, noting that embassy officials only responded after social media outcry.

The embassy said it worked with Gulf Air to address the situation, arranging for the stranded passengers to be accommodated in two airport lounges while awaiting their flight.

This incident highlights the challenges passengers face during unforeseen travel disruptions and the importance of timely intervention from authorities.