The Unexpected Detour

What was supposed to be a nine-hour nonstop flight from London to Mumbai turned into a 53-hour ordeal for 265 passengers aboard Virgin Atlantic’s VS 358. The journey included an unplanned 44-hour stopover in Turkiye, leaving passengers to sleep on chairs or the floor at a small airport.

The Cause of the Delay

The aircraft was forced to divert to Diyarbakir Airport in Turkiye due to a medical emergency. Following the diversion, the Airbus A350 required a detailed inspection before it could be cleared for takeoff, further delaying the passengers' journey.

Assistance from the Indian Embassy

The Indian Embassy in Turkiye stepped in to assist the stranded passengers, arranging temporary visas, hotel accommodations, meals, and medical assistance. Their efforts ensured that all 99 Indian passengers were taken care of during the unexpected stopover.

Virgin Atlantic's Response

A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic apologized for the inconvenience, stating that the safety and security of customers and crew is their highest priority. The airline arranged hotel accommodations for the passengers and secured all necessary technical approvals for the aircraft to continue its journey to Mumbai.