Aviation

Victims of 1990 Kuwait Hostage Incident Sue UK Government and British Airways

In a legal development stemming from a harrowing chapter of history, passengers and crew of a British Airways flight seized during the 1990 Kuwait hostage crisis have launched a significant legal action against both the UK government and the airline.

McCue Jury & Partners, a prominent law firm, disclosed on Monday that 94 individuals, out of the 367 held captive, have filed a civil claim at London’s High Court. Their grievance accuses the British government and British Airways of recklessly endangering civilians by allowing the flight to land in Kuwait despite knowledge of the ongoing invasion by Iraqi forces.

Hostages suffered severe physical & psychiatric harm

The ordeal endured by these passengers and crew, who were used as human shields during the first Gulf War, left profound physical and psychological scars that continue to affect their lives today.

The lawsuit alleges that both the government and the airline were aware of the invasion before the flight departed, yet proceeded with the landing to facilitate the covert insertion of a special operations team into occupied Kuwait.

Controversially, there are assertions, disputed by the government, that London deliberately put the passengers at risk by using the flight for undercover operations and delayed its departure to allow operatives to board.

Newly released British government documents from November 2021 revealed that warnings about the Iraqi incursion were received by UK officials in Kuwait, but this critical information was not relayed to British Airways.

Lawsuit seeks damages averaging £170,000 ($213,000)

In response to the legal action, the UK government has declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the case. British Airways, on the other hand, has steadfastly denied allegations of negligence, conspiracy, and cover-up concerning their actions during the crisis.

McCue Jury & Partners previously announced intentions to pursue damages on behalf of the hostages, estimating potential claims averaging £170,000 ($213,000) per individual.

Aviation

Hajj Step By Step Guide – Application process and cost from India

The Hajj pilgrimage is a significant religious journey undertaken by millions of Muslims around the world.

Each year, Muslims from India eagerly anticipate the opportunity to embark the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. As Hajj 2024 approaches, prospective pilgrims from India are seeking up-to-date information about flight schedules and essential updates to plan their pilgrimage effectively.

Application Process for Hajj 2024

Prospective pilgrims can apply for Hajj 2024 registration by following these steps:

Registration Fee and Application Submission: The registration fee for Hajj 2024 is set at Rs 300 for Indian Muslim citizens. Applications can be submitted electronically via the Haj Committee of India website at hajcommittee.gov.in or through Haj Suvidha.

Application Form Completion: Complete the electronic application form by providing essential details such as name, Aadhar card information, and other necessary particulars. Ensure all information is accurate and complete.

Document Submission: After registration, upload all required documents including visa, passport, passport-sized photograph, proof of Indian residency, and a copy of the bank passbook.

Final Submission: Review all entered information and documents thoroughly before selecting “Final Submit.” Keep the 2024 Hajj Application Form safe for future reference.

Saudi Arabia Visa Guide for Indian Citizens: Navigating Umrah and Hajj Journey:Read more

The State Haj Committee has decided to send the greatest number of pilgrims from Kerala this year, 10,430 from Karipur, 4,273 from Kochi, and 3,135 from Kannur. Additionally, 45 pilgrims will travel by way of the State Haj Committee from Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai.

hajj flight schedule 2024 india

IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and Saudia Airlines have been given the authority to run special flights from Indian cities to Jeddah and Medina in Saudi Arabia for Indian pilgrims who intend to complete the Hajj in 2024.

Documents Required for Hajj Application Registration in India

Valid Visa and Passport
Mobile Number and Email ID
Recent Passport Size Photo of the Applicant
Indian Residency Proof (ID Cards)
Copy of Bank Passbook

Costs for Hajj Application

The Hajj Package for 2024 costs INR 399,500 as per the Hajj Committee of India (HCI). Private travel operators may charge approximately INR 600 more than government rates. comac c919 vs boeing 737 price

Additional package options ranging from INR 3.5 lakh to 4 lakh are available on the official website of the Hajj Committee of India (HCI).

The Ministry for Hajj & Umrah is considering offering an affordable Hajj package for domestic pilgrims in 2024. Payment can be made in full or in installments, although specific tariffs have not been disclosed yet. Domestic pilgrims are required to pay the first installment of 20% of the Hajj expenses within 72 hours of registration.

Hajj flights from India – schedules and updates:Read more