This is the moment terrified passengers saw flames coming from the engine of their plane on a UK-bound flight.
Footage shows orange flames shooting into the night sky from the left side of Gulf Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner about an hour into the flight.
The plane had taken off from Bahrain when the engine burst into flames.
The plane made an emergency landing at Kuwait International Airport due to the fire in the early hours of Sunday, December 1.
Passengers on flight GF5 were stranded for more than 14 hours, reportedly without receiving any assistance.
One said: ‘There was no help for us. The airport staff was rude and the airline did nothing. “We were left waiting in a foreign country with no one telling us what would happen.”
Officials said the scheduled departure time was 2.10 a.m. and arrival time was 6.35 a.m.
Flightradar24 reported that the plane took off late at 2.25am before making an emergency landing about an hour later.
Footage shows orange flames shooting into the night sky from the left side of Gulf Air’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner about an hour into the flight.
Images show the left wing of the plane engulfed in flames
The photo above shows emergency vehicles arriving at the scene after the plane made its emergency landing.
Local media reported that some passengers faced alleged discrimination, alleging that while EU, UK and US passport holders were provided with accommodation, travelers from India, Pakistan and Southeast Asia were initially He denied them food and water.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait took up the matter with airport authorities and airline officials. They organized temporary accommodation for elderly people and passengers with babies.
Gulf Air said in a statement: ‘Gulf Air confirms that flight GF005, which was operating from Bahrain International Airport (BAH) to Manchester Airport (MAN) on 1 December 2024, was diverted to Kuwait International Airport (KWI). ) due to a technical problem.
‘An alternative plane has been arranged for passengers to continue their journey to Manchester. Temporary accommodation was also organized for passengers affected by the diversion.
‘Gulf Air apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this unexpected change to the itinerary and appreciates the understanding and patience of our passengers and their families. “The safety of those traveling with us remains our top priority.”
The aircraft involved in the incident was a 6.5-year-old Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered as A9C-FB. It has a capacity for 282 passengers, 256 in economy class and 26 in business class.
Gulf Air’s fleet consists of 42 aircraft, including Airbus A320, A321 and Boeing 787 Dreamliners.