Passengers Stranded for 30 Hours at Diyarbakir Airport After Virgin Atlantic Flight Emergency Landing

Passengers Stranded at Diyarbakir Airport

More than 250 passengers, including several Indians, have been stranded at Diyarbakir Airport for over 30 hours after a Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Mumbai was forced to make an emergency landing. Flight VS358 departed Heathrow Airport in London at 11:40 a.m. local time on April 2 and was scheduled to land in Mumbai at 1:40 a.m. on April 3. However, the plane made an unscheduled landing at Diyarbakir Airport around 7 p.m. local time after a passenger required urgent medical attention.

Unsuitable Conditions at the Airport

Following what Virgin Atlantic described as a 'hard landing,' the aircraft was deemed unfit to fly due to a technical issue. Passengers were disembarked, but while the crew was transported to a hotel, passengers remained confined to a restricted area within the small regional airport, which lacks adequate facilities.

Passengers reported a lack of basic amenities, including insufficient food, limited toilet facilities, and a lack of charging points for electronic devices. Passengers expressed frustration over the lack of assistance from the airline and the discomfort caused by the situation.

Embassy and Authorities Response

The Indian Embassy in Turkey stated that it is in contact with the airport and other authorities to ensure appropriate care is extended to the passengers. The Embassy assured that efforts are being made to resolve the issue and arrange an alternate flight to Mumbai for the stranded passengers.

Virgin Atlantic's Response

After 24 hours, Virgin Atlantic arranged hotel accommodation for the passengers and stated that they are working towards a resolution so that customers can continue their journey to Mumbai. However, passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the airline's handling of the situation and demanded better communication and support.