December 2, 2024: Passengers aboard a Gulf Air flight from Mumbai to Manchester endured a harrowing 19-hour ordeal at Kuwait Airport following an emergency landing caused by an engine fire. Indian passengers reported severe mistreatment, alleging that they were denied basic amenities like food, water, and accommodations, unlike passengers holding EU, UK, or US passports.
Emergency Landing Sparks Chaos
The flight, which had originated from Mumbai and was en route to Manchester via Bahrain, made a sudden U-turn mid-flight after an engine fire. Passengers reported that the crew announced the diversion just 20 minutes before landing in Kuwait. Arzoo Singh, a passenger, described the terrifying scene, saying, “I saw the engine on fire. There was smoke. After landing, we asked repeatedly for a place to sit, but everyone was left sitting on the floor.”
Claims of Discrimination
Once at Kuwait Airport, Indian and Southeast Asian passengers alleged that they faced bias. According to Ms. Singh, “They told us that Indian and Pakistani passport holders were not ‘entitled’ for hotel accommodations because we don’t qualify for a transit visa.” While EU, UK, and US passport holders were provided accommodations, Indian passengers were initially denied lounge access, food, and even water for the first four hours.
A chaotic video circulating on social media shows passengers arguing with airport authorities, highlighting their frustration and feelings of harassment.
Indian Embassy Steps In
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait, in a series of posts on X, confirmed it had taken up the matter with Gulf Air and sent a team to assist the stranded passengers. The embassy stated that passengers were eventually accommodated in airport lounges, though hotel accommodations remained unavailable due to the ongoing GCC Summit.
“Efforts are being made to assist passengers in every possible way,” the embassy said. It also noted that Indian nationals do not qualify for a visa-on-arrival facility in Kuwait, further complicating the situation.
Flight Finally Departs
After hours of uncertainty, the flight to Manchester finally departed at 4:34 AM on Monday. The Indian Embassy confirmed that their team remained on the ground until the flight left.
Gulf Air has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
Passenger Outrage
Passengers expressed their frustration at the lack of communication and assistance during the ordeal. Many pointed out that they had work commitments in the UK, making the delay even more distressing. “They kept telling us every three hours that we’d be leaving soon. People were left sitting in the terminal for over half a day with no proper answers,” Ms. Singh said.
Tags
#EmergencyLanding #GulfAir #StrandedPassengers #IndianEmbassy #KuwaitAirport #TravelNightmare #FlightDiversion #PassengerRights
