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Indian Passengers Stranded at Turkey Airport for Over 30 Hours: "No Food, No Toilets"

 


Introduction

In a distressing incident, a group of Indian passengers traveling from Istanbul to New York were left stranded at Turkey’s Istanbul Airport for over 30 hours due to a delayed flight. The passengers, including elderly individuals and children, reported severe hardships, including a lack of food, restricted access to toilets, and inadequate assistance from airport authorities. The incident has sparked outrage among travelers and raised concerns about passenger rights during extended flight delays.

The Incident: What Happened?

The group of Indian passengers was scheduled to fly from Istanbul Airport (IST) to New York on Turkish Airlines. However, due to unforeseen technical issues, their flight was delayed multiple times, eventually leaving them stuck at the airport for more than 30 hours.

Key Complaints by Passengers:

  1. No Food or Water – Many passengers claimed they were not provided with adequate meals or drinking water during the extended delay.

  2. Limited Access to Toilets – Some travelers reported that airport staff restricted their access to restrooms, forcing them to wait in long queues.

  3. Poor Communication – Airlines and airport authorities allegedly failed to provide timely updates, leaving passengers confused and frustrated.

  4. No Accommodation – Despite the long delay, passengers were not offered hotel accommodations or proper resting facilities.

Passenger Accounts: A Harrowing Experience

Several passengers took to social media to share their ordeal.

Social Media Outcry

One passenger tweeted:
"Stuck at Istanbul Airport for 30+ hours with no food, no proper toilets, and no updates from Turkish Airlines. Elderly and children are suffering. This is inhuman!"

Another traveler posted:
"No help from airport staff. We are being treated like cattle. Is this how international airports operate?"

Lack of Basic Amenities

Passengers reported that while some were given limited food vouchers, the options were insufficient, and many outlets at the airport were closed. Additionally, with no access to comfortable seating or sleeping arrangements, travelers were forced to rest on floors and benches.

Airline and Airport Response

Turkish Airlines issued a statement acknowledging the delay but attributed it to "unavoidable technical reasons." The airline claimed that affected passengers were provided with meal vouchers and assistance, contradicting passenger accounts.

Istanbul Airport authorities stated that they followed standard protocols for delayed flights but admitted that the situation could have been handled better.

Legal and Passenger Rights Concerns

Under international aviation regulations, airlines are required to provide certain amenities in case of extended delays:

  • EU Regulation 261/2004 (applies to flights departing from EU airports, including Turkey):

    • Delays over 2 hours: Food and drink, communication facilities.

    • Delays over 5 hours: Right to cancel and receive a refund.

    • Delays overnight: Hotel accommodation and transport.

However, passengers reported that these rights were not honored, raising questions about enforcement.

Similar Incidents: A Growing Problem?

This is not the first time passengers have faced such issues at Istanbul Airport or with Turkish Airlines:

  • In 2022, a group of Indian travelers was stranded for 20 hours without proper assistance.

  • In 2023, multiple passengers complained of poor treatment during flight cancellations.

Such recurring incidents highlight systemic issues in handling passenger distress during delays.

What Should Passengers Do in Such Situations?

  1. Know Your Rights – Familiarize yourself with airline policies and international regulations.

  2. Document Everything – Take photos, videos, and keep records of announcements and interactions with staff.

  3. Demand Written Compensation – If eligible, insist on meal vouchers, hotel stays, or refunds in writing.

  4. Escalate Complaints – Contact airline customer service, aviation authorities, or consumer forums if rights are violated.

Conclusion: A Call for Better Passenger Protection

The ordeal faced by Indian passengers at Istanbul Airport underscores the need for stricter enforcement of passenger rights and better crisis management by airlines and airports. As air travel resumes post-pandemic, such incidents must be addressed to ensure safe and dignified travel for all.

Affected passengers are now exploring legal options, while social media continues to amplify their demands for accountability. Whether this leads to policy changes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: no traveler should endure such inhumane conditions in modern aviation.

Final Thoughts

Have you ever faced a similar situation at an airport? What steps did you take? Share your experiences in the comments below.

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