• Source:JND
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More than 200 Indian passengers found themselves stuck at Diyarbakir Airport (DIY) in Turkey after their London-Mumbai Virgin Atlantic flight (VS 358) made an emergency landing on Wednesday night. The unexpected stop left passengers stranded for over 16 hours, with no immediate clarity on alternative travel arrangements.

According to reports, the emergency landing was prompted by a medical issue onboard. A passenger reportedly suffered a panic attack, necessitating immediate medical assistance. However, upon landing, passengers were also informed that the aircraft had developed a technical glitch, further delaying their journey.

One of the passengers told News18, “The emergency landing was due to a medical issue, but the airport in Turkey isn’t equipped to handle an aircraft of this size. We’re stuck here with no proper facilities.”

Passengers Left Without Information or Assistance

Frustrated travelers described their ordeal, highlighting the lack of communication from Virgin Atlantic. Many complained about being left in a semi-empty terminal with minimal facilities.

Another passenger told Republic, “It’s been over 14 hours since we landed, and we still don’t know what’s happening. We have children, elderly passengers, and sick people with us. So far, we’ve only received two handouts with vague information.”

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Indian Authorities Step In

Amid growing distress, an X (formerly Twitter) user named Satyam Surana shared that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had stepped in to offer assistance. Additionally, India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has assigned a nodal officer to manage the situation and coordinate with Virgin Atlantic for a resolution.

Similar Incidents in Recent Months

This is not the first time Indian passengers have faced unexpected disruptions. Just last month, an Air India flight (AI126) from Chicago to Delhi had to return mid-air after multiple lavatories on the Boeing 777 aircraft became unusable. The airline later revealed that the problem was caused by passengers flushing “polythene bags, rags, and clothes” down the toilets.

As stranded passengers in Turkey await further updates, many are urging Virgin Atlantic to act swiftly and provide alternative travel arrangements.