Virgin Atlantic flight with 250+ passengers departs for Mumbai after over 40-hour stranding in Turkey

Virgin Atlantic flight VS358 finally takes off (representative image)

After spending over 40 hours stranded at an airport in Turkey, more than 250 Virgin Atlantic passengers, including several Indians, are now in the air, with their flight expected to arrive in Mumbai on Friday evening.

Happy Passengers of @VirginAtlantic flight VS358 stranded in a military base in Turkey now boarding ! Thanks @virginmedia for your help and responding to me promptly ! https://t.co/tbZPrArbXh pic.twitter.com/nzEmJUsper
loveena tandon (@loveenatandon) April 4, 2025

The flight departed from London Heathrow for Mumbai on April 2, was diverted to Diyarbakir Airport due to a medical emergency.

A medical emergency onboard prompted an unexpected diversion, leaving passengers stranded at the airport for over 40 hours.

"With all necessary technical approvals now secured, the plane departed Diyarbakir 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," the spokesperson said.

Virgin Atlantic confirmed that the flight, originally left route from London Heathrow to Mumbai on April 2, was diverted to Diyarbakir, Turkey. After landing, the Airbus A350-1000 experienced a technical issue, which was subsequently resolved.

Reportedly, the passengers were facing a lot of problems at the Diyarbakir Airport in Turkey.

A stranded passenger told PTI that they were made to sit on the floor without being given any blankets. “Also, there is no vegetarian food available,” the passenger added.

Also, there is no vegetarian food available, the passenger said on the condition of anonymity.

In a statement, a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said, “The safety and security of our customers and crew remains our highest priority, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused. Subject to receiving the necessary technical approvals, we will continue flight VS1358 to Mumbai from Diyarbakir Airport at 12:00 local time on Friday 4th April.”