Over 250 passengers on Virgin Atlantic flight VS358 from London to Mumbai have been stranded at Turkey’s Diyarbakir airport for over 44 hours after an emergency diversion. The flight, which departed on April 2, made an unscheduled landing due to a medical emergency on board.
Following the landing, a technical problem grounded the plane, causing a lengthy delay for passengers, who were predominantly Indians. The airline assured that the plane is now being prepared for departure and will arrive in Mumbai by 8:30 PM on April 4 — two days later than its initial schedule.
Virgin Atlantic Issues Apology, Promises Resolution
Virgin Atlantic also accepted the delay extension and maintained that the passengers’ and staff’s safety was always a key priority.
My family along with 250+ passengers have been inhumanely treated by @virginatlantic .
Why is this chaos not being covered in the @BBCWorld or global media?? Over 30 hours confined at a military airport in Turkey.
In contact with the @ukinturkiye to please more pressure needed pic.twitter.com/TIIHgE07bb— Hanuman Dass (@HanumanDassGD) April 3, 2025
“The safety and security of our customers and crew remains our highest priority, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused. Subject to receiving the necessary technical approvals, we will continue flight VS1358 to Mumbai from Diyarbakir Airport at 12:00 local time on Friday 4th April,” read a statement issued by Virgin Atlantic.
If the required clearances are not obtained in due time, the airline will bus the customers to another Turkish airport to resume their travel. “In the meantime, passengers are being provided with overnight hotel accommodation and refreshments in Turkey, while we work towards a resolution, and we will keep all customers informed as soon as new updates become available,” the airline further said.
Hi @VishnuNDTV , we’re sincerely sorry for the disruption experienced due to the urgent medical diversion. Our customers are now in overnight hotel accommodation in Turkey, while we work towards a resolution tomorrow so they can continue their journey to Mumbai. We’ll keep all…
— virginatlantic (@VirginAtlantic) April 3, 2025
Passengers Express Concerns on Social Media
Stranded passengers and their relatives used social media to express concerns over airport conditions. A few passengers complained of poor facilities, such as one toilet shared among about 300 individuals, and a shortage of blankets during freezing temperatures.
Images from the airport revealed strained passengers lying on benches and waiting for news with uncertainty.
The Indian Embassy in Ankara has reported that it is keeping a close eye on the situation and remains in contact with the authorities to ensure the safety of the passengers.
