A British family currently finds themselves stranded in Kuwait due to travel disruptions caused by the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Vikesh and his family were on their way back to the UK from India when their plans were abruptly halted.
As the US-Israeli conflict with Iran entered its sixth day, flight cancellations became widespread, affecting thousands of travelers. Approximately 138,000 British nationals are in the Middle East amidst the crisis.
The initial Government-chartered rescue flight scheduled to bring Britons back from the region faced delays on Wednesday due to technical issues at the airport in Oman. However, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the arrangement of two additional Government-chartered flights, one of which was set to depart from Oman on Thursday. British Airways also planned two more flights from Muscat to London Heathrow over the following days.
For Vikesh’s family, the wait has been distressing. Stranded in Kuwait, they recounted their ordeal of being stuck in the airport for hours without food or water. After being informed they needed visas to enter Kuwait, further confusion ensued among the stranded passengers.
Eventually, the family was accommodated at a Holiday Inn in Salmiya after being rejected by two other hotels. Vikesh expressed disappointment at the lack of support from British officials initially, noting the assistance provided to Indian nationals by their representatives.
Following online awareness raised by friends and family in the UK, efforts to assist the stranded family have begun. The British Embassy is now coordinating with Kuwait Airways and potentially Saudi carriers to arrange a safe return for Vikesh and his family to London Heathrow.
Despite these developments, uncertainty lingers for the family, who are eager to return home safely and resume their lives. Qatar Airways announced relief flights to several European cities, including London, amid ongoing airspace closures, while additional flights from Riyadh to Frankfurt aim to alleviate travel disruptions due to the conflict.
