What was expected to be a smooth return trip from a vacation in the United States turned into a tense ordeal for a Mumbai family caught in the airspace disruption triggered by the ongoing West Asian conflict.
Siddartha Mukerjee, his wife Aysha, and daughter Anika had left India for the US on February 14 and were to depart from there on February 27. Their return itinerary included a journey from Hawaii to Seattle, Washington, followed by a Qatar Airways flight to Doha, from where they were to fly to Mumbai.
A protest against the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, in Istanbul, Turkey, on March 1. The family’s flight to Doha, Qatar was diverted to the Turkish capital on February 28 and they managed to fly to Delhi via Uzbekistan three days later. PIC/AP/PTI
Mid-Air Annoncement
According to Mukerjee, nearly three hours before landing in Doha, the captain announced mid-air that the flight could not proceed due to the conflict and would be diverted to Istanbul, Turkey. The aircraft landed in the city around 3 pm local time, and passengers were made to wait inside for nearly six hours before being allowed to disembark
Visa Expenses
As Indian passport holders require visas to enter the country, which straddles Europe and Asia, the family and other Indian passengers had to apply for online visas costing 50 dollars per person.With nearly seven diverted flights and close to 2000 passengers stranded, the situation was chaotic.
Time in Turkey
(From left) Siddartha Mukerjee with his wife, Aysha, and daughter, Anika. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Mukerjee said everyone was scared and the only thing on their mind was reaching their destinations. He also praised the airline as it arranged hotel accommodation in the city. Receiving no clarity and their Doha flight eventually cancelled, the family decided to book alternative tickets.
The Return
After securing expensive last-minute tickets to Delhi via Tashkent, they flew from Istanbul on March 2, transited through Uzbekistan and Delhi, and reached Mumbai on a domestic Air India flight. The family spent nearly Rs 85,000 to Rs 90,000 per ticket for the new international route, in addition to visa fees and other expenses, taking their out-of-pocket expenditure to around Rs 4 lakh.
Timeline of family’s ordeal
Feb 14: The Mukerjees depart from India to vacation in United States
Feb 26: They leave Hawaii for Seattle as part of their return journey
Feb 27: (4 am, local time): They arrive in Seattle
Feb 27: (4 pm, local time): They board flight to Doha, Qatar
Feb 28: The flight is diverted to Istanbul, and the plane lands around 3 pm local time
Feb 28: (night): After nearly spending six hours inside aircraft, passengers deboard. Family applies for Turkish e-visa
Mar 1:(early hours): Airline arranges hotel stay in Istanbul; no clarity on departure
Mar 1: Doha flight is officially cancelled; family begins exploring alternative routes via travel agent
Mar 2: They fly to Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Mar 3: (5 am): The family arrives in New Delhi; later, they take a domestic flight to Mumbai
