Virgin Atlantic Flight VS358 to Mumbai was forced to land at a military base in Turkey after a woman was taken seriously ill mid-flight – but the 200 passengers onboard were left stranded
Passengers onboard a Virgin Atlantic flight were left stranded at a military airfield after their plane was forced into an emergency landing when a woman was taken seriously ill. The passengers say they’ve been left in limbo with “no food” for 24 hours and “felt cut off from the world”.
Vulnerable fliers include diabetic patients, babies and a pregnant woman all of whom were left “abandoned” at a military hub after the medical incident 30,000ft in the air. Virgin Atlantic Flight VS358 left Heathrow at 11.40am on Wednesday and diverted to Diyarbakir Airport, Turkey at around 4.30pm. The flight had been due to land in Mumbai, India at 1.40am on Thursday local time.
But after the mid-air drama, the Airbus A350 suffered a technical issue – and was unable to take-off again for India after the female passenger had been escorted off the plane having fallen seriously unwell. The remaining passengers were told to disembark the plane but were denied entry to collect carry-on luggage and belongings.
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And to make matters worse, ‘visa issues’ meant the weary travellers were not allowed to leave the military base in order to book accommodation. According to the Sun, the 200 stricken fliers were left with no assistance, prompting panic among them. One angry man said: “Sixteen hours no help!”
A pregnant woman cried: “I have had no food. I am four months pregnant. They have supplied only rice. Everybody is suffering. Please help us.”
Meanwhile another woman added: “There are babies on board. We are all wanting help from the UK government and Indian government and US government – anybody! All these children are stranded. Everybody.
“We have four babies who have not got their stuff because it’s all in the aircraft.” An elderly pensioner told of his ordeal, ranting: “Since 5 o’ clock we have had no food here, so what’s going on? We are tired, we are fed-up. Can you do something please!”
A source onboard the plane told the publication: “It was scary on-board. The poor woman was shouting and screaming and not in a good way, and families around her were very distressed by what was happening. The situation became so scary for other passengers that the decision was taken by the captain to divert the aircraft, so the woman could receive medical help.”
Last night diplomats were arranging 24 hour visas for passengers. The military airport was closed to any other flights for the next three days. And as of this morning, Virgin have confirmed the passengers are finally on their way to their final destination.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told the Mirror: “We’re sorry that Virgin Atlantic flight VS358 from London Heathrow to Mumbai on 2nd April was disrupted following an urgent medical diversion to Diyarbakır Airport in Turkey. Due to the nature of the landing, the aircraft required extensive technical inspection before the aircraft was cleared to operate.
“The safety and security of our customers and crew remains our highest priority, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and prolonged delay. Our customers were provided with overnight hotel accommodation on Thursday evening ahead of their onward journey today.
“With all necessary technical approvals now secured, the plane departed Diyarbakır Airport at 13:00 local time on Friday 4th April, operating as flight VS1358. Customers are now en route to Mumbai, with an expected arrival at approximately 20:49 local time.”