In a shocking travel disruption, 265 passengers traveling from London to Mumbai have found themselves stranded at Turkey Airport for over 30 hours, as of Thursday, following an unexpected and prolonged flight delay. The incident, involving an Indian-bound flight operated by a private airline, has left families, senior citizens, and children in a state of anxiety and exhaustion.
More than 250 passengers, including several Indians, have been stranded for over 30 hours at Turkey’s Diyarbakir Airport after a Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Mumbai was forced to make an emergency landing.
Flight VS358 departed London’s Heathrow airport at 11:40 a.m. local time on April 2 and was scheduled to land in Mumbai at 1:40 a.m. on April 3. However, the plane made an unscheduled landing at Diyarbakir airport around 7 p.m. local time after a passenger required urgent medical attention.
Flight Delay Turns into Nightmare
As hours turned into a full day and beyond, frustration and concern among the stranded travelers mounted, particularly as communication from the airline remained sparse.
“First, they told us there was a minor technical issue. Then, there were multiple delays. Now it’s been over 30 hours, and we still don’t know when we’re flying out,” said Rajesh Mehta, a businessman from Mumbai, speaking over a phone call from the airport. “There are infants here, elderly people—how can an airline be so careless?”
Passengers reported sleeping on airport floors, with no proper bedding or food arrangements. Many said they received no updates from airline staff, and the lack of clear communication added to the chaos.
Videos Spark Outrage Online
Videos and photos began circulating on social media, showing crowds of Indian passengers lying on seats, floor mats, or simply pacing around the terminal. Several individuals were seen appealing for help, asking authorities to intervene. The videos have since gone viral, sparking outrage and concern among users.
“This is unacceptable. These are human beings, not cargo,” read one comment on X (formerly Twitter), tagging the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and urging immediate action.
Health and Safety Concerns
With the situation stretching well beyond normal waiting times, health and safety concerns have emerged. Some passengers reportedly fell ill due to lack of rest and inadequate food and water supply. Medical assistance was not readily available, adding to the travelers’ woes.
One woman traveling with her 6-month-old infant said, “My baby has had no warm milk for hours. No hot water, no baby food. We’ve had to manage with dry snacks. This is inhumane.”
Several passengers also claimed that while some staff members from the airport tried to offer basic aid, the airline’s own crew and ground staff were largely unresponsive.
Families Back Home Worried
Back in India, families of the stranded passengers are growing increasingly anxious. Many have been repeatedly calling the airline’s customer support, but either received automated responses or no reply at all. Some even contacted the Indian consulate in Turkey, hoping for intervention.
“I haven’t been able to speak to my wife for over 10 hours. She was crying when we last spoke,” said Prakash Sawant, whose wife and teenage son are among the stranded. “We just want them back safely. The silence from the airline is adding to our fear.”
Airline Yet to Respond Officially
As of the time of writing, the airline in question has not issued any official statement regarding the incident. Media requests and public inquiries have gone unanswered, leaving travelers and their families in the dark.
According to airport sources, technical issues and crew availability might have contributed to the delay. However, passengers argue that even if those are valid reasons, the airline failed to follow basic protocols of communication, food, and temporary accommodation.
Calls for Accountability
This incident has once again sparked debate about airline accountability, especially concerning international flights involving Indian citizens. Aviation experts say that in such situations, airlines are obligated to provide assistance, including meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and timely updates—none of which appears to have been done in this case.
“This is a serious lapse in passenger care,” said Capt. Arun Sharma, a senior aviation analyst. “Long delays happen, but how airlines manage them is what makes the difference. There should be an investigation.”
Legal experts say that stranded passengers could potentially file complaints with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) or even seek compensation under existing air travel consumer protection laws.
Government and MEA Intervention Needed
As pressure mounts, many are now calling on the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy in Ankara, and the DGCA to step in and ensure the safe and swift return of the stranded passengers. Several Members of Parliament and public figures have also begun raising questions on social media.
“We urge @MEAIndia and @DGCAIndia to take immediate steps to assist our fellow citizens stuck in Turkey. This is a human rights issue,” wrote one MP on X.
Situation Ongoing
As of Friday morning, the passengers remained at Turkey Airport with no confirmation of a new flight schedule. The airline’s silence and lack of crisis management have left hundreds in limbo.
This incident stands as a grim reminder of the challenges travelers can face during international transit, and the urgent need for better passenger protection and accountability mechanisms in India’s aviation sector.
