Over 250 Virgin Atlantic Passengers Stranded in Turkey for Nearly 40 Hours; Flight to Mumbai Expected on Friday

More than 250 passengers of a Virgin Atlantic flight, including several Indian nationals, have been stranded at Turkey’s Diyarbakir Airport for nearly 40 hours after their London-Mumbai aircraft was unexpectedly diverted.

A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson stated that the airline is working to secure the necessary technical approvals to operate a special flight, VS1358, to Mumbai on Friday. If approvals are not granted in time, alternative arrangements will be made, including a bus transfer to another Turkish airport, from where a different aircraft will transport passengers to Mumbai.

The diversion of the flight to Diyarbakir Airport remains unexplained, and passengers have faced extended delays. Many are reportedly struggling with limited amenities and uncertainty regarding their onward journey.

The airline has assured passengers that it is working closely with Turkish authorities to resolve the situation at the earliest and ensure a safe return to India.