New Delhi: Imagine being stranded at a remote airport, with limited facilities and uncertain futures, for more than 44 hours. This was the reality for over 250 passengers on a Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Mumbai, as they experienced a series of unexpected setbacks after an urgent medical diversion to Turkey. Originally intended to be a routine journey, the flight instead turned into a test of patience and endurance. However, the wait finally came to an end as the flight departed from Diyarbakir Airport in Turkey and was expected to reach Mumbai by 8:30 pm, two days behind schedule.
In the heart of Turkey, the crisis unfolded on April 2nd when Virgin Atlantic flight VS358 made an unexpected landing at Diyarbakir airport due to a medical emergency. Following this diversion, the aircraft encountered technical issues that required extensive inspections, complicating the situation further for passengers, many of whom were Indian nationals. As the passengers anxiously awaited updates, Virgin Atlantic provided them with hotel accommodations and refreshments while efforts were made to reschedule the flight for April 4th.
However, the conditions at Diyarbakir airport posed significant challenges. Passengers struggled with limited facilities, including just a single toilet for over 300 people, and faced the discomfort of single-digit temperatures without adequate blankets. Despite these hardships, Virgin Atlantic set plans to resume the journey to Mumbai at 12:00 local time on April 4th, pending the necessary technical approvals. If these approvals were not granted, the airline planned to transfer passengers by bus to another Turkish airport for an alternative flight.
Throughout this ordeal, passengers have utilized social media to voice their frustrations, highlighting the lack of support at the airport. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Ankara closely monitored the situation, playing a crucial role in securing hotel accommodations for the stranded passengers late in the crisis.
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