Stranded in Turkey: Virgin Atlantic Flight from London to Mumbai Faces Unexpected Delay
A Virgin Atlantic flight en route from London to Mumbai was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Turkey due to a medical emergency, leaving passengers stuck for over two days. The Airbus A330-300, operating as Flight VS358, departed London Heathrow on April 2, 2025, but diverted to Diyarbakir Airport in southeastern Turkey after a passenger required urgent medical attention. The situation escalated when the aircraft encountered a technical issue upon landing, grounding it for further inspection.
More than 250 passengers, including a significant number of Indian nationals, have been stranded at Diyarbakir Airport for over 40 hours as of April 4, 2025. The prolonged delay has sparked frustration among travelers, many of whom are awaiting clarity on when they can continue their journey to Mumbai. Virgin Atlantic issued a statement acknowledging the disruption, noting that the plane remains under technical review following the emergency diversion.
The airline has outlined contingency plans to resolve the situation. A spokesperson told that if local authorities do not grant approval for the aircraft to depart by April 5, the company intends to transport passengers by bus to another Turkish airport, where an alternative plane will be arranged to complete the trip to Mumbai. Efforts are underway to secure the necessary permissions and ensure passenger safety, the spokesperson added.
The Indian Embassy in Ankara has stepped in to assist, maintaining communication with Virgin Atlantic, Diyarbakir Airport officials, and Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The embassy’s coordination has facilitated support for the stranded passengers, offering some relief amid the ongoing ordeal.
Virgin Atlantic emphasized that the safety of its customers and crew remains the top priority, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused by the unexpected detour and subsequent delays. As the situation unfolds, passengers and officials alike are focused on finding a swift resolution to get the travelers back on course to their destination.