Indian passengers who were stranded for more than 13 hours in Kuwait due to a technical issue with their flight have now departed. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait confirmed the news in a statement on Monday, mentioning that their team remained at the airport until the Gulf Air flight took off.
In a post on X, the embassy wrote, “Gulf Air flight to Manchester finally departed at 4:34 AM today.”
The incident affected 60 passengers traveling on Gulf Air flight GF 005 from Mumbai to Manchester. They reported discomfort as the airline failed to provide essential assistance such as food, accommodation, or basic support during the delay.
Embassy Takes Swift Action
The delay sparked frustration among passengers, with many taking to social media to share their grievances. This drew attention from the Indian Embassy in Kuwait, which intervened promptly. The embassy assured that food and water were made available in airport lounges for the stranded passengers.
Officials from the embassy stated, “The matter was immediately taken up with Gulf Air in Kuwait. A team from the embassy is at the airport to assist the passengers and coordinate with the airline.”
Passengers were accommodated in two airport lounges during the extended wait.
Voices of Frustration
Stranded passenger Arzoo Singh, who was traveling from Mumbai to Manchester, shared her experience: “After we raised the issue on social media, senior officials from the Indian Embassy in Kuwait reached out to the Indian passengers stuck at the airport.”
Another passenger, Shivansh, expressed his frustration online, writing, “Reading Why Bharat Matters while stuck in Kuwait without any help. All British passport holders received hotels and on-arrival visas, but Indian passport holders have been left stranded without any information, food, or support. Please help us with a visa so we can get a hotel while waiting for the next flight.”
The Gulf Air flight eventually departed early on Monday, bringing relief to the passengers and marking the end of their ordeal.
