A Mumbai-bound flight carrying over 200 Indian passengers made an emergency landing in Turkey, leaving them stranded at a remote airport for nearly a day. A Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Mumbai had to make an emergency landing at remote Diyarbakir Airport (DIY) in Turkey which left the passengers stranded at the airport for 16 hours.
Passengers Stuck At Turkey Airport For 16 Hours?
According to various reports, Mumbai bound flight from London with 200 plus Indian passengers had to undergo an emergency landing when their flight faced a medical emergency. However, reports indicate that the plane, VS 358, landed at Diyarbakir Airport, which lacks the facilities to handle such situations, leading to its classification as a remote airport. Authorities reportedly informed passengers that the aircraft experienced a technical glitch during landing and that arranging an alternate flight is taking time.
Stranded Passengers Allege Lack Of Accommodation
According to a News18 report, passengers complained about the aircraft crew’s lack of expertise in handling the situation. They also alleged that Virgin Atlantic has yet to make a clear announcement about alternate arrangements, leaving them uncertain about their onward journey to Mumbai.
“Emergency landing was made as one passenger had a panic attack. The airport in Turkey is not efficient enough to handle the aircraft,” one of the passengers was quoted as saying by News18. They have reportedly asked the airline to arrange an alternative mode of transportation as fast as possible. Passengers also complained that they were not provided with an accommodation. “We’ve not received accommodations and we can’t even leave the airport as this is a military base,” one of the passengers told News18.
What Indian Authorities Said
Satyam Surana shared that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had stepped in to offer assistance. He took to X informing about the interference of the Maharashtra Government. Additionally, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has assigned a nodal officer to manage the situation and coordinate with Virgin Atlantic for a quick solution. He wrote: Till now its been around 20 hours and more.
“@VirginAtlantic has brutally failed to give any substantial update & support to the stranded passengers. Women, senior citizens, babies, everyone is stranded and frustrated.”
Update regarding the situation:
I have coordinated the incident with @Dev_Fadnavis Ji, @TawdeVinod Ji & @mohol_murlidhar Ji. They have promptly & immediately assured all help.@TawdeVinod Ji has called me assured all help & support. @Dev_Fadnavis Ji has sent an SMS & assured… https://t.co/KOO1H6XT39
— Satyam Surana (@SatyamSurana) April 3, 2025
