Indian passengers stranded in Kuwait for 13 hours finally leave for Manchester

Several Indian passengers travelling from Mumbai to England’s Manchester.

Who were stranded at Kuwait Airport for over 13 hours after their Gulf Air flight made an emergency landing, have finally departed for their destination. The flight left at around 4.30 am and the Indian Embassy team, assisting the passengers, were on the ground till the flight departed, officials said.

The passengers were stranded at the airport on Sunday and alleged that they were denied proper accommodation or food at the airport. In videos shared on social media, several passengers can be seen arguing with airport authorities. They alleged that they were neither provided food or help nor were they given lounge access.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait said that it had taken up the matter immediately with Gulf Air, and a team from the embassy was present at the airport to assist the passengers. The Embassy also clarified visa rules in Kuwait for Indians.

“It may be noted that Indian nationals do not fall under Visa on arrival facility in Kuwait. All government offices are closed today due to GCC Summit (Gulf Cooperation Council Summit) being hosted by Kuwait,” the embassy said in a post on X.

It said in a post on X that the passengers have been accommodated in two airport lounges as of now, as the airport hotel is unavailable due to the ongoing summit.

The officials also added that food and water was available for the stranded passengers at the lounges.