A Virgin Atlantic flight carrying over 250 passengers from London to Mumbai experienced a significant delay, stranding travelers at a remote military airport in Turkey for nearly two days. The flight, which departed from London's Heathrow airport on April 2nd, was diverted to Diyarbakır airport due to a medical emergency.
Following the emergency landing, the aircraft was deemed unfit to fly due to a technical issue. Passengers reported a lack of information regarding their onward journey to India. The airline initially stated the flight would resume on Friday morning, but the actual departure was delayed.
Passengers expressed their frustration and distress on social media, describing "inhumane" conditions at the airport. They reported limited facilities, including inadequate food, essential supplies, and insufficient restroom access. Several passengers highlighted the presence of vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women and elderly people, among those stranded.
The airline later arranged hotel accommodations for the majority of the passengers. The Indian embassy in Turkey also intervened, coordinating with the airline and Turkish authorities to provide assistance and facilitate the passengers' continued travel to Mumbai. The flight eventually landed in Mumbai late Friday evening.
5 Comments
Katchuka
This is absolutely unacceptable. Pregnant women and elderly people stranded? Virgin Atlantic, you need to do better.
KittyKat
They eventually did everything in their power to get everyone sorted. The passenger needs come first.
Loubianka
They dealt with what they could. Technical issues is an issue but they eventually came through for the passengers.
BuggaBoom
Where was the support? Food, water, even basic necessities seem to have been lacking. Horrible!
Leonardo
Two days in Turkey?? How am I able to trust this airline, if I plan to take this flight?!