Kuwait Faces Major Travel Disruptions as Gulf Air Flight from Bahrain to Manchester Diverts for Emergency Landing: New Travel Updates You Need To Know

Gulf Air Flight GF5, traveling from Bahrain to Manchester, was forced to divert to Kuwait International Airport on December 1 after a technical issue with the aircraft. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which had taken off from Bahrain at 2:05 am, was scheduled to reach Manchester in 7.5 hours. However, due to an unexpected malfunction, the flight was redirected, and it landed at Kuwait Airport at 4:01 am local time, leaving many passengers, especially those from India, in a difficult situation.

Indian nationals onboard were unable to leave the airport, as Kuwait does not offer visa-on-arrival (VoA) for Indian citizens. This left them stranded in the terminal while travelers from other countries, who were eligible for VoA, were allowed to exit and make alternative arrangements. The stranded passengers were further troubled by the unavailability of hotel rooms in Kuwait, as the country was hosting a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit at the time, causing a shortage of accommodations. With nearly all hotels fully booked, the Indian passengers faced mounting frustrations.

The affected travelers, many of whom were en route to the UK via Bahrain, had expected a straightforward journey. Instead, they found themselves stuck in a foreign airport with little support. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has stepped in to assist, but finding accommodation and rebooking flights is proving to be a challenge, particularly given the high demand in the city due to the GCC summit.

This incident has highlighted the importance of being aware of visa policies, especially when transiting through countries with strict entry regulations. While many travelers may not have anticipated the need for a visa to stay in Kuwait, this situation serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in international travel, particularly when unexpected diversions occur.

At present, Gulf Air and the Indian Embassy are working together to find solutions for the affected passengers. However, with limited accommodation options and logistical hurdles to overcome, the stranded travelers are left waiting in uncertainty. Passengers are hopeful that they will soon be able to continue their journey to the UK, but for now, they remain in limbo at Kuwait International Airport.