Over 200 Indian passengers stranded in Turkey after Mumbai flight faces technical issues

More than 200 Indian passengers have been stranded at Turkey’s Diyarbakir Airport (DIY) for over 16 hours after a Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Mumbai made an emergency landing due to a medical issue. The incident occurred on April 3, leaving passengers frustrated over the lack of communication from the airline regarding their onward journey.

According to reports, the Virgin Atlantic flight VS 358 was diverted to Diyarbakir after a passenger suffered a panic attack mid-air. However, upon landing, the aircraft reportedly encountered a technical issue, further delaying its departure. Diyarbakir Airport, which is not equipped to handle such large aircraft, became an unexpected holding point for the stranded travelers.

Passengers expressed their distress, stating that they had received little information from the airline about alternative travel arrangements. Many of them, including young children and elderly individuals, were left in a semi-empty terminal without basic amenities. “We have no idea when we will fly out. We only received two handouts with vague instructions, and it has already been 14 hours,” a passenger told Republic TV.

Social media users highlighted the plight of the stranded passengers, with one user, Satyam Surana, stating that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had assured assistance. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has since appointed a nodal officer to oversee the situation and coordinate efforts for the passengers' safe return.

This incident follows a series of disruptions in international flights involving Indian passengers. Last month, an Air India flight from Chicago to Delhi had to return due to multiple lavatories becoming clogged with polythene bags and clothing items, rendering them unusable. While the cause of the current Virgin Atlantic delay is different, it highlights ongoing challenges faced by travelers, especially in emergency situations.

As of now, there has been no official statement from Virgin Atlantic regarding a clear timeline for the passengers’ onward journey. Authorities in India and Turkey are working to resolve the issue, and updates are expected soon.