London-Mumbai Flight Diverted To Turkey, Passengers Stranded For 30 Hours

A Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Mumbai was diverted to Turkey's Diyarbakir due to an urgent medical case and also a subsequent need for a technical inspection, the airline said in a statement today. Passengers were stranded for over 30 hours.

"The VS358 flight from London Heathrow to Mumbai on 2nd April was cancelled due to an urgent medical diversion to Diyarbakir Airport in Turkey and subsequent technical inspections required," Virgin Atlantic said, adding that it "sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused". 

"Our engineers are continuing their thorough assessments of the aircraft, and we are actively exploring all options including if required an alternative aircraft into a nearby airport tomorrow to ensure customers reach Mumbai tomorrow," it added. 

The airline also said the passengers are being provided with overnight hotel accommodation and refreshments in Turkey. "We will keep all customers informed as soon as new updates become available," it said. 

A passenger, Hanuman Dass, in a post on X alleged all Virgin Atlantic staff headed to a hotel, and and left everyone with just a text message.

"It's now been 30 hours since Virgin Atlantic flight left London and we are appalled at the lack of humanity and treatment of Indian and British citizens. My wife and kids have one pillow between three people and no blankets and have been sitting in a confined space with 300 people," Mr Dass said.

It's now been 30 Hours since @VirginAtlantic flight left London and we are appalled at the lack of humanity and treatment of #Indian and #British citizens. My wife and kids have one pillow between 3 people and no blankets and have been sat in a confined space with 300 people.

— Hanuman Dass (@HanumanDassGD) April 3, 2025

Indian officials are in touch with the authorities in Diyarbakir, the Indian embassy in Ankara said in a post on X, in response to a user who said some 200 Indian passengers were stranded.

"A Virgin Atlantic flight to Mumbai made an emergency landing at Diyarbakir Airport (DIY) after departing from London. More than 200 Indian passengers, including a pregnant woman, are stranded without water and basic facilities. Please intervene urgently," the X user Sherilyn Fernandes said.

The Indian embassy in Turkey replied, "Embassy of India, Ankara is in continuous contact with Diyarbakir Airport Directorate and related authorities. All possible coordination and efforts are being made to take care of the stranded passengers."

Dear Ms. @sherilynfernan6,

Embassy of India, Ankara is in continuous contact with Diyarbakir Airport Directorate and related authorities. All of possible coordination and efforts are being made to take care of the stranded passengers.

— IndiaInTürkiye (@IndiaInTurkiye) April 3, 2025

Virgin Atlantic in the statement apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers.

"The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our top priority and we apologise for the inconvenience caused. We are urgently looking at all available options to ensure our customers can continue their journeys to Mumbai as quickly as possible, while our engineers carry out the necessary technical inspections of the aircraft. As soon as we have updated information, we will communicate to all customers involved," the UK-based airline said.

"Our engineers are continuing their thorough assessments of the aircraft, and we are actively exploring all options including the operation of an alternative aircraft to ensure customers can reach Mumbai as soon as possible. In the meantime, passengers are being provided with refreshments, and we will communicate to all customers involved as soon as new information becomes available," Virgin Atlantic said.

It is routine for a passenger aircraft to divert to the nearest airport in case of a medical emergency. However, a diversion due to both medical and technical reasons simultaneously is uncommon.