An image from the flight before take off.
Credit: X/@MukteshPardeshi
Mumbai: After being stranded for close to two days, the Virgin Atlantic flight form London to Mumbai, which was stranded in Diyarbakir Airport in Turkiye, has taken off.
The flight will arrive in Mumbai on Saturday.
"The Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Mumbai has just left Diyarbakir Airport in Turkiye," said Muktesh Pardeshi, the Ambassador of India to Turkiye, posted on X.
The flight was diverted to Turkiye following a medical emergency on board, after which it developed a technical sang.
In a statement on Friday, a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said the passengers were provided with overnight hotel accommodation on Thursday evening.
"With all necessary technical approvals now secured, the plane departed Diyarbakır Airport at 13:00 local time on Friday 4th April, operating as flight VS1358. Customers are now en route to Mumbai, with an expected arrival at approximately 20:49 local time," the spokesperson said.
The 250- plus passengers had to go through a harrowing experience.
A passenger, who was among those stranded at the airport, told PTI on Thursday that all passengers were sitting on the floor, and there were no blankets available.
Also, there was no vegetarian food available, the passenger said on condition of anonymity.
The Diyarbakir Airport is a military airbase of Turkiye.
"We're sorry that Virgin Atlantic flight VS358 from London Heathrow to Mumbai on 2nd April was disrupted following an urgent medical diversion to Diyarbakır Airport in Turkey.
"Due to the nature of the landing, the aircraft required extensive technical inspection before the aircraft was cleared to operate. The safety and security of our customers and crew remains our highest priority, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and prolonged delay," the spokesperson said in the statement on Friday.
(With PTI inputs)