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Mumbai-Bound Virgin Atlantic Flight Stranded in Turkey After Emergency Landing

Over 200 passengers face prolonged delays and limited facilities at Diyarbakir Airport, with Indian authorities stepping in to assist.

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A Virgin Atlantic plane, VS 358, landed at the airport unsuitable for handling the aircraft due to a medical emergency. (Representative image)
Virgin Atlantic

Overview

  • Virgin Atlantic flight VS 358 from London to Mumbai made an emergency landing at Diyarbakir Airport in Turkey due to a passenger's panic attack.
  • The airport's limited infrastructure left over 200 passengers stranded for more than 16 hours in a semi-empty terminal with inadequate facilities.
  • Passengers reported poor communication from Virgin Atlantic, with no clear updates on alternate travel arrangements.
  • Indian authorities, including the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, have intervened to provide support and appointed a nodal officer to manage the situation.
  • The incident highlights challenges in airline emergency response and the preparedness of smaller airports to handle international flights.