An emergency landing at Kuwait International Airport turned into an ordeal for Indian passengers flying from Mumbai to Manchester on Gulf Air. The passengers, stranded for over 19 hours, alleged severe neglect, discrimination, and lack of basic amenities.
Engine Fire Forces Emergency Landing
The Gulf Air flight, originating from Mumbai and heading to Manchester via Bahrain, made an emergency landing in Kuwait following an engine fire mid-flight. Passengers reported spotting flames and smoke from the engine before the aircraft was forced to divert. A sudden announcement, made 20 minutes before landing, instructed passengers to brace for the emergency.
“We saw smoke and fire in the engine. The landing was chaotic, and once we were on the ground, things only got worse,” said passenger Arzoo Singh, recounting the harrowing experience.
Stranded for Hours Without Assistance
Upon landing, passengers were left in the airport terminal with no clear communication or assistance from Gulf Air or the airport authorities. “For the first four hours, no one gave us food or even water,” said Ms. Singh.
In a video that surfaced on social media, passengers could be seen pleading with authorities. They alleged that passengers from the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States were provided accommodations, while Indian, Pakistani, and Southeast Asian nationals were denied similar privileges.
Discrimination Over “Entitled Passport Holders”
Ms. Singh revealed to NDTV that airport authorities explicitly told the stranded passengers that only “entitled passport holders,” those eligible for transit visas, would be accommodated in hotels. “They literally said Indians and Pakistanis are not entitled passport holders. We begged for food, water, and blankets but were ignored. After running behind them for two hours, we were finally given lounge access,” she added.
The Indian embassy confirmed that Indian nationals do not qualify for visa-on-arrival facilities in Kuwait, further complicating their accommodation arrangements.
Embassy Steps In
Responding to the crisis, the Indian embassy in Kuwait deployed a team to assist the passengers and coordinate with Gulf Air. A post on X stated that passengers were accommodated in two airport lounges. However, efforts to provide hotel accommodations were hindered by the ongoing GCC Summit, which had occupied most available facilities.
“Embassy officials remained on-site until the flight finally departed for Manchester at 4:34 am,” the embassy stated.
Gulf Air Silent on the Incident
As of now, Gulf Air has not released a statement addressing the passengers’ grievances or explaining the mishandling of the situation. The lack of clarity from the airline has only added to the frustration of the stranded travelers.
Passenger Outrage Over Neglect
Many passengers expressed anger and disbelief over the neglect they faced during the crisis. “We were sitting on the floor for hours with no place to rest. Some 60 passengers, including children, were treated inhumanely,” said Ms. Singh.
The delay also disrupted plans for numerous passengers with pressing commitments in the UK. “All of us have work tomorrow. People are waiting for us in the UK,” another passenger shared.
The Chaotic Flight Diversion
The flight’s emergency landing brought to light the severe challenges faced during such situations. “They kept telling us every three hours that we would be leaving soon. The uncertainty and lack of clear information added to our stress,” said a stranded flyer.
Safety First, But What About Dignity?
While the emergency landing ensured the safety of passengers, the aftermath has raised questions about the preparedness of Gulf Air and Kuwait airport authorities to handle such crises. Passengers from Southeast Asia voiced their anger over perceived bias and negligence, demanding accountability from the airline and airport officials.
The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of passengers traveling from countries with limited visa-on-arrival privileges in the Gulf region. It also underscores the need for airlines to develop better contingency plans and ensure fair treatment for all passengers during emergencies.
The ordeal of the Indian passengers at Kuwait airport serves as a stark reminder of the importance of not just safety, but dignity and equality for all travelers.