Hundreds of Air France passengers are facing a lengthy and unexpected stopover in one of the world's most isolated nations after their flight was forced to make an emergency landing.
An Unexpected Diversion to Ashgabat
The ordeal began on Air France flight AF191, a service from Bengaluru, India, to Paris Charles de Gaulle. The Boeing 777 had already been delayed by a significant 21 hours before departing India. Approximately four hours into its journey, the aircraft encountered an engine fault, compelling the pilots to divert.
The chosen diversion airport was Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan – a country often described as one of the world's most secretive and difficult for travellers to enter. The plane landed safely, but for the passengers, a new set of challenges was just beginning.
Strict Regulations and Mounting Delays
Upon arrival in Ashgabat on Tuesday 13 January 2026, passengers were confronted with Turkmenistan's stringent visa and entry regulations. Despite the emergency nature of their visit, they were required to comply with local rules, including paying a mandatory £23 Covid test fee.
Furthermore, the complex visa process typically demands an invitation letter, adding bureaucratic hurdles to an already stressful situation. Air France has been working to manage these requirements for its customers while arranging a solution.
A Long Wait for a Replacement Jet
In response to the incident, Air France dispatched a replacement aircraft from its hub in Paris to collect the stranded travellers. This relief flight was expected to arrive in Ashgabat on Tuesday evening, local time.
However, the airline has now scheduled the new departure for Wednesday at 1pm. This timeline means the affected passengers will have been stranded in Turkmenistan for over 33 hours since their unscheduled landing.
The extended delay compounds the frustration of the initial 21-hour hold-up in Bengaluru, turning a long-haul flight into a multi-day travel marathon. Air France is responsible for providing accommodation and assistance to passengers during this extended wait in a city with very limited tourist infrastructure.
