Over 250 London-Mumbai flight passengers stuck in Turkey due to medical emergency, technical issues

Mumbai: A London-Mumbai flight operated by Virgin Atlantic has been stranded in the Diyarbakir Airport in Turkey for over a day, triggering strong reactions in social media platforms.

More than 250 persons are on board the flight, reports reaching here said.

The flight took off from Heathrow Airport in London, however, there was a medical emergency on board, and it was diverted to Diyarbakir Airport, where it is currently stranded because of technical issues in the plane.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused. We are urgently looking at all available options to ensure our customers can continue their journeys to Mumbai as quickly as possible. As soon as we have an update, we will communicate to all customers involved,” Virgin Atlantic said, responding to posts on social media platforms.

“Diyarbakir Airport being outside its operational hours, customers remained in the international departure lounge overnight. Refreshments, including water, were provided, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused,” it said.

Aam Aadmi Party’s Mumbai President and National Executive Member Preeti Sharma Memon flagged the issue on social media.

“Can anyone respond, please?! 270 seventy-odd pax of VS358 London-Mumbai are stuck in Diyarbakir almost a day now! Unusable toilets, no food, no phone chargers, no communication whatsoever from Virgin Atlantic,” she said, tagging Virgin Atlantic, Richard Branson, UK Civil Aviation Authority, UK Home Office.

Responding to the complaints, the Indian Embassy in Turkey said that they are in contact with authorities and efforts are being made to take care of the stranded passengers.

“Embassy of India, Ankara is in continuous contact with the Diyarbakir Airport Directorate and related authorities. All possible coordination and efforts are being made to take care of the stranded passengers,” it said.

A stranded passenger on board, Vinay Yellambatla, said: “Our flight from London to Mumbai emergency landed in Diyarbakir due to a medical issue. Now stranded due to a technical problem. Many Indians, including elderly and kids, are stuck with no updates.”

The Diyarbakir Airport is a Turkish military airbase and is used by public airliners as well.