Stranded Turkmenistan Airlines passengers may need to make own way home, says UK aviation watchdog

The Independent estimates that 5,000 British passengers are stranded in India

The UK’s aviation authority has advised travellers stranded by the Turkmenistan Airlines EU flight ban that they “may need to make their own arrangements” to return to the UK.

Passengers stranded in Asia should contact Turkmenistan Airlines, their travel insurer or travel agent for assistance, advised the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The airline, one of the leading budget routes between the UK and India, suspended operations in the EU today as the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) placed it on a blacklist.

The airline flew from Heathrow and Birmingham to destinations in Asia including Delhi, Amritsar, Beijing and Bangkok via Ashgabat in the former Soviet republic of Turkmenistan.

A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority said: “Turkmenistan Airline flights from Birmingham and Heathrow to Amritsar, and Heathrow to New Delhi – which fly via Ashgabat – are suspended with immediate effect.

“The UK Civil Aviation Authority is required under European law to withdraw Turkmenistan Airlines’ permit to operate to the UK pending EASA’s restoration of their approval that it meets international air safety standards.”

The Independent estimates that up to 5,000 British passengers are in India with bookings to fly home on the airline.

The CAA has some advice for passengers stranded in Asia.

• If passengers are yet to fly, or are stranded in Asia, they might need to make alternative arrangements. Airlines including Air India, British Airways, Jet Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Turkish Airlines fly the same routes.
• For refunds on unused tickets, passengers will need to contact Turkmenistan Airlines directly. Or if they booked with the airline using a credit card, passengers might be protected by the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and should check with their card issuer or bank for more information.
• If travellers booked with an airline ticket agent, they should contact them first. They might also have provided travel insurance.
• If they flights were booked as part of a package holiday with an Atol-protected provider, then the CAA said the travel firm is responsible for either getting passengers home, or providing a full refund.

The FCO advises affected passengers to contact Turkmenistan Airlines for advice.