Hundreds of Qantas passengers were left stranded in Turkey after the plane was forced to make an emergency landing. The flight departed the UK earlier today and was diverted to Istanbul following a reported medical emergency on board. A booking alert said a passenger on board the flight became unwell.
A text sent by Qantas to passengers said it hoped the flight would soon be able to continue on with its journey. "We apologise for the disruption to your flight, but our diversion to Istanbul was needed to provide essential medical care for a passenger who became unwell during the flight. "We are working to get you on your way as soon as we can, but given Istanbul is an airport we do not usually operate to, that will take a little time," the message seen by News.
com.au added. "We will keep you updated, but we are going to stay onboard the aircraft so that we are ready to depart as soon as we get clearance.
"We are monitoring any connecting flights in your booking and will contact you if there are any changes to your onward travel. Thank you for your patience and understanding." The Mirror has seen the QFA2 flight departed Istanbul earlier this morning and is due to land in Singapore later today for its intended stopover.
Qantas said the Airbus380 was on the ground for about two and a half hours before it left Istanbul. Staff on board provided first aid to the passenger before it was diverted on the advice of medical experts. Photos taken aboard showed passengers in a packed cabi.