250 London-Mumbai Passengers Stranded in Turkey for 40+ Hours

Over 250 London-Mumbai Virgin Atlantic passengers, mostly Indians, are stranded in Turkey’s Diyarbakir airport for 40+ hours. A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said Flight VS358 was diverted on April 2 due to a medical emergency at Diyarbakir airport. After landing, the aircraft faced a technical issue and is currently under inspection.

Virgin Atlantic assured that passenger and crew safety is their top priority and apologized for the inconvenience caused. Pending technical approvals, Flight VS1358 is scheduled to depart Diyarbakir Airport for Mumbai at 12:00 local time on April 4.

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If approvals are delayed, passengers will be transferred by bus to another Turkish airport for their journey to Mumbai. Meanwhile, passengers are receiving hotel accommodation and refreshments in Turkey as the airline works on a resolution. Virgin Atlantic assured passengers they would be informed immediately once new updates become available.

Stranded passengers and families took to social media to highlight issues, including a single toilet for around 300 people. A passenger told PTI they were not given blankets despite the freezing temperatures at the airport. Visuals showed passengers resting on seats, appearing exhausted and frustrated by the long delay and uncertainty.

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A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson informed NDTV that passengers have been accommodated in hotels, and the airline is actively working on a resolution to resume their journey.

The Indian Embassy in Ankara stated that it is closely monitoring the situation.