Stranded Indian passengers claim they were denied water, food and accommodation at Kuwait airport

Around 60 Indian passengers flying from Mumbai to Manchester were stranded at Kuwait International Airport for more than 13 hours, alleging that they were denied food, blanket and accommodation.

Gulf Air flight GF 005 made an emergency landing. The Indian embassy revealed that they reached out to Gulf Air regarding the incident.

The passengers alleged that only flyers with the US, the UK and European Union passports were given food and accommodation by the carrier. Videos showed angry passengers arguing with the airport authorities. Passengers with passports of Pakistani and Southeast Asian countries were also reportedly denied water, food and accommodation.

Arzoo Singh, one of the Indian passengers told ANI that they could not leave the airport as they did not have a transit visa. Later, the airport authorities agreed to accommodate senior citizens and passengers with infant inside the airport.

The embassy said their officials were at the airport to assist the passengers, adding that they were accommodated in two airport lounges, adding that the airport hotel is currently unavailable due to ongoing GCC Summit.

The embassy clarified that Indians do not have visa on arrival facility in Kuwait and that all government offices are closed due to the GCC Summit.

It added that a flight was scheduled at 3.30 am on Monday for the passengers flying to Manchester. The flight eventually departed at 4.34 am.