Key Points:
- Emergency Landing: Virgin Atlantic flight VS 358 from London to Mumbai made an unscheduled landing at Diyarbakir Airport, Turkey, due to a passenger’s medical emergency.
- Prolonged Delay: Passengers have been stranded for over 16 hours at the remote airport, which lacks facilities to handle large aircraft.
- Passenger Ordeal: Families with children and elderly passengers face limited food, accommodation, and communication options at the military base.
New Delhi: Over 200 Indian passengers aboard Virgin Atlantic flight VS 358 from London to Mumbai have been stranded at Diyarbakir Airport in Turkey for more than 16 hours following an emergency landing. The flight was diverted due to a medical emergency involving a passenger who suffered a panic attack. During landing, the aircraft reportedly developed a technical glitch, further delaying onward travel.
The Situation at Diyarbakir Airport
Diyarbakir Airport, primarily a military base, is ill-equipped to handle large commercial aircraft. Passengers were initially kept onboard for five hours before being asked to disembark. Since then, they have been waiting in a semi-empty terminal with inadequate facilities:
- Limited Food and Accommodation: Passengers complained about insufficient food and no proper sleeping arrangements. Many are sleeping on floors and chairs.
- Communication Challenges: Internet services are limited or unavailable, making it difficult for stranded travelers to contact their families or seek assistance.
- Sanitation Issues: Reports indicate that passengers have access to only one toilet for all.
One passenger shared their frustration: “We’ve been left stranded without communication or proper updates. There are families with children and elderly people struggling in these conditions.”
Virgin Atlantic’s Response
Virgin Atlantic issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience caused. A spokesperson said:
“The safety and security of our customers and crew is our top priority. We are urgently exploring all available options to ensure passengers can continue their journeys to Mumbai as quickly as possible while engineers conduct necessary inspections of the aircraft.”
However, passengers remain unclear about their onward journey as no alternate arrangements have been announced yet.
Government Intervention
The Indian embassy in Turkey responded to passengers’ grievances on social media, assuring that they are coordinating with Diyarbakir Airport authorities. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also stepped in, promising support through the Ministry of Civil Aviation. A nodal officer has been appointed to manage the situation and ensure passengers’ safe return.
Advocate Satyam Surana highlighted efforts being made:
“I brought the issue to the attention of CM Devendra Fadnavis and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol. The Ministry has assured that all possible efforts are being made to bring these passengers back.”
Passenger Grievances
Frustration among passengers is mounting:
- Some claim Virgin Atlantic asked them to make alternate arrangements themselves—a near-impossible task given the remote location.
- Others expressed concerns about health risks due to prolonged delays and lack of proper accommodations.
As technical inspections continue on the aircraft, Virgin Atlantic is reportedly exploring options for alternate transportation. Passengers are urging authorities and the airline to expedite arrangements.
This incident highlights critical gaps in contingency planning for emergency landings at remote airports. With over 200 lives impacted, swift action is essential to resolve this crisis and restore confidence in international air travel.
The ordeal underscores the importance of robust infrastructure and communication protocols at airports worldwide, especially those handling emergency diversions. For now, stranded passengers await clarity on when they can resume their journey home.
