Indian Embassy Steps In as 60 Indian Travelers Stranded in Kuwait for 13 Hours
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New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has stepped in to assist approximately 60 Indian passengers on a flight from Mumbai to England's Manchester, who found themselves stranded at Kuwait airport for 13 hours due to an emergency landing of their Gulf Air flight.
The passengers expressed severe concerns, including the lack of food and assistance.
On Sunday, the Indian embassy in Kuwait posted on X that they promptly addressed the issue with Gulf Air and clarified the visa regulations for Indians in Kuwait.
The difficulties for the passengers began when their flight was forced to divert due to an engine fire incident.
A chaotic video emerged on social media, showing Gulf Air passengers disputing with airport officials.
The stranded passengers claimed they were subjected to harassment and noted that only those traveling from the European Union, UK, and US received accommodations from the airline, raising allegations of discrimination against holders of Indian, Pakistani, and other Southeast Asian passports.
The Indian embassy assured in their post on X that a team was at the airport to assist the stranded passengers and coordinate with the airline, stating that the passengers had been accommodated in two airport lounges.
"Efforts are underway to secure accommodations in the airport hotel, which is currently unavailable due to the ongoing GCC Summit. It is important to note that Indian nationals do not qualify for the visa on arrival facility in Kuwait. All government offices are closed today because of the GCC Summit hosted by Kuwait," they stated.
Passengers indicated that their flight made a U-turn before landing in Kuwait, with the announcement regarding the diversion coming just 20 minutes prior to the landing.
As of now, Gulf Air has not released a statement regarding the situation.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait mentioned in their post on X that passengers have been accommodated in two airport lounges, as the airport hotel is unavailable due to the ongoing GCC Summit.
"Food and water are available for the stranded passengers at the lounges," they added.
The embassy further informed that Gulf Air has arranged a flight for the stranded passengers to Manchester, scheduled for 3.30 a.m. on Monday.
