The situation began when numerous flights, including connections to and from destinations such as India and the UAE, were delayed or canceled due to unforeseen operational issues. Many passengers reported that they were left with little communication regarding the status of their flights or next steps.
Several passengers detailed their frustrations, recounting how they were left in limbo with little guidance. Some were told their flight had been rescheduled but were not provided any information about the new departure time or gate. Others said they were denied adequate access to food, water, or seating during the long wait, compounding the stress of the situation. Many passengers raised concerns about a lack of transparency from both the airline and airport staff, which worsened the already uncomfortable experience.
Social media posts and complaints from passengers suggested that despite the long delays, there was a noticeable lack of hospitality from staff, particularly concerning their communication. While some were given vouchers for food, others were left to find their own meals. Many travelers also criticized the lack of seating in the waiting areas, which were overcrowded by the growing number of stranded passengers.
One traveler from India, who was waiting for a flight to New Delhi, described the situation as chaotic. “We had no idea what was going on, and no one was explaining anything to us,” the passenger said. “It felt like we were just being ignored.” Another passenger, who was on a connecting flight to Dubai, expressed frustration over the lack of information. “The airline kept saying the flight was delayed, but they didn’t say when we would actually be able to board,” they remarked.
Airport authorities did offer occasional updates, but many passengers felt these were insufficient, given the extended delays. A spokesperson for Kuwait International Airport acknowledged the issues, confirming that several flights had been delayed, though they did not provide specific details regarding the reasons behind the operational problems. The spokesperson also stated that they were working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, but by the time the majority of the flights were rescheduled, many passengers had already endured lengthy waits.
In addition to delays, some passengers reported overcrowded and uncomfortable conditions in the terminal. Those who had been waiting for hours often found themselves standing in long lines or trying to find a place to sit amid the crowd. Many complained about the cleanliness of the airport, noting that there were insufficient cleaning staff to maintain the public spaces, especially in such high-traffic areas. The lack of maintenance further exacerbated the frustrations felt by travelers, particularly those who had been waiting for extended periods.
The incident has raised questions about the efficiency and management of operations at Kuwait International Airport. Experts have pointed out that long delays and lack of communication reflect poorly on the airport’s overall preparedness to handle disruptions. Travelers who experienced the situation are now calling for better contingency planning and more effective communication from airport and airline staff to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The situation also underscores the challenges that airports face during periods of increased traffic or unexpected delays, especially when operational issues are beyond their control. Airlines and airport authorities are expected to work together to ensure that passengers receive adequate support, including timely updates on delays, provisions for food and water, and proper seating arrangements. While these measures are typically expected during long delays, the experience at Kuwait Airport highlighted areas where improvements are needed.