British Airways passengers sue UK government over 1990 Kuwait hostage crisis

Passengers and crew from a 1990 British Airways flight that was held hostage after landing in Kuwait are now suing the airline and the UK government, alleging that they were deliberately endangered. The civil action involves 94 individuals who were either passengers or crew on Flight 149 or BA crew already in Kuwait. They claim that both the UK government and BA were negligent and engaged in joint misfeasance in public office by allowing the flight to land in Kuwait despite knowing about Iraq's invasion. The flight, which took off from London's Heathrow Airport with a planned stop in Kuwait on its way to Malaysia, faced a harrowing ordeal as Iraqi forces took control upon landing. One crew member, Charlie Kristiansson, recounted being raped and used as a human shield during the hostage situation. The claim revolves around allegations that the UK government and BA received warnings but failed to act, leading to the passengers and crew being put in harm's way. The legal action asserts that the UK government and BA were aware of the invasion but still allowed the flight to land, possibly as part of a covert special operations mission. The passengers and crew suffered severe physical and psychiatric harm during their captivity, with lasting consequences. The lawsuit aims to hold accountable those responsible for the traumatic experience and seeks justice for the victims who were treated as pawns for commercial and political gain. While the UK government has declined to comment on the ongoing legal proceedings, British Airways has consistently denied any wrongdoing, including negligence, conspiracy, and cover-up. The law firm representing the claimants has indicated that each individual may seek substantial damages for the ordeal endured during the hostage situation. The legal battle highlights the complex circumstances surrounding the flight's landing in Kuwait and the subsequent impact on those who were held captive.