265 Mumbai-Bound Passengers Stranded in Turkey for Over 30 Hours
A Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Mumbai was unexpectedly diverted to Diyarbakır Airport in Turkey due to a medical emergency on board. While the affected passenger received necessary attention, the situation quickly escalated when the aircraft encountered a technical fault, preventing it from continuing its journey. The result: 265 passengers have now been stranded for over 30 hours with no confirmed departure.
Passenger Hardship and Complaints
Passengers have voiced frustration over what they describe as poor management and lack of support. Many allege that they were kept on the grounded plane for nearly five hours before being asked to disembark, only to wait an additional 13 hours at the airport with minimal facilities and no communication about the next steps.
Some passengers described unusable toilets, limited access to food, and no charging points for phones. The lack of clear communication from the airline has only added to the distress, with many turning to social media to highlight their ordeal and seek intervention.
Airline and Embassy Responses
Virgin Atlantic issued an apology for the inconvenience and stated that overnight accommodations had been arranged for the stranded passengers. The airline is said to be working on technical resolutions and flight arrangements to complete the journey to Mumbai, promising to keep all travelers informed.
In the meantime, the Indian Embassy in Ankara has stepped in to provide support. Embassy officials have been in constant contact with the airline, local airport authorities, and Turkish officials to ensure the wellbeing of all passengers. Plans are reportedly underway to arrange an alternative flight if the original aircraft cannot be cleared for departure soon.
Current Situation
As of now, the passengers remain in Turkey, still waiting for a definitive solution. The airline and Indian authorities are collaborating to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. For the hundreds of travelers affected, the wait continues—one marked by mounting frustration and a desperate need for answers.
