Moscow to Makhachkala flight diverted multiple times Over 200 passengers stranded

More than 200 passengers from Moscow have been left stranded for over a day after their flight to Makhachkala was repeatedly diverted between airports.

The Pobeda Airlines flight was scheduled to depart from Vnukovo Airport at 12:25 p.m. local time on January 6, but the departure was delayed several times, with the plane eventually taking off at 7:00 p.m., Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The aircraft never reached Makhachkala, as the airport was unable to accept it. The flight was first redirected to a backup airport in Astrakhan, where passengers were not allowed to disembark.

After a short stop, the plane continued to Mineralnye Vody, where travellers were informed that the flight to Makhachkala would depart only the following day at 11:25 a.m.

Passengers have remained in the airport throughout the delay. Those without accommodations were forced to stay overnight in the terminal, while others paid for hotel rooms themselves. Many have been queuing for access to power outlets to charge phones.

As compensation, the airline provided 500 rubles ($6.30) for meals and 100 rubles ($1.25) for water. Vouchers worth 100 rubles had also been distributed during the initial delay at Vnukovo, despite water in the airport selling for around 350 rubles ($4.40) per bottle.

By Aghakazim Guliyev