Sixty Indian passengers endured a grueling 24-hour ordeal at Kuwait International Airport after their Gulf Air flight to Kochi was repeatedly delayed. The passengers, including families with young children and elderly individuals, faced uncertainty and discomfort as the flight’s departure was postponed multiple times, allegedly due to technical issues.
The journey, initially scheduled for Friday night, began with frustration when the airline announced an unexpected delay just before boarding. Passengers were left stranded in the terminal with little clarity about when they would be able to continue their travel. While delays are not uncommon in aviation, the lack of timely updates and adequate arrangements added to the passengers’ distress.
Stranded travelers described the experience as exhausting and poorly managed. Several passengers highlighted the absence of adequate support from the airline, noting insufficient meal arrangements and a lack of alternative accommodations. “We were left sitting in the terminal for hours with no clear communication about what was happening,” said one frustrated passenger traveling with a young child.
As the hours stretched on, tensions began to rise. Passengers, many of whom were eager to return home or reach their destinations for personal and professional commitments, expressed their dissatisfaction with Gulf Air’s handling of the situation. “The airline staff seemed overwhelmed, and there was no one to address our concerns effectively,” another passenger remarked.
Relief finally came when the rescheduled flight took off late Saturday night, marking the end of a physically and emotionally draining experience. For many, however, the ordeal left a sour taste, raising concerns about airline preparedness and passenger care during extended delays.
This incident has sparked broader conversations about the importance of robust crisis management strategies for airlines. Passengers emphasized the need for better communication, timely updates, and proactive measures to minimize inconvenience during such situations. Travelers also called for airlines to have contingency plans to address long delays, such as providing accommodation and ensuring proper care for vulnerable passengers.
While Gulf Air has not released a detailed statement about the reasons behind the prolonged delay, this incident serves as a reminder of the critical role of passenger support during disruptions. As air travel continues to recover and grow globally, ensuring customer satisfaction and welfare remains a key challenge for airlines in an increasingly competitive industry.
