Qantas passengers' fuming after strange request following emergency landing
Qantas passengers were left furious after being told they had to pay in cryptocurrency or cash to rebook their flights following an emergency landing in Azerbaijan.
The QF2 plane flying from London to Singapore was forced to pull a tight U-turn in the air above the European country on Sunday local time after a passenger went into cardia
Hundreds of people were taken off the plane at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in the country's capital of Baku due to a medical emergency.
But when they tried to rebook new flights, they were shocked to be told by airport staff that payment was only accepted in cash or crypto.
Nine's European correspondent Hannah Sinclair, who was on board, took to social media to slam the situation.
'Hey Qantas currently stranded in Azerbaijan with almost 500 other passengers after a medical emergency and engine problem on QF2,' she said.
'There's been no help getting a different flight and airport staff are asking for us to pay for new flights in crypto or cash only? Not ok.'
Sinclair said the workers demanding payment were not Qantas staff.
With no clear rebooking time and needing to get to a wedding, she booked her own flight back to Australia online.
Meanwhile, Australian doctor Hamish Urquhart, who helped treat the woman during her cardiac arrest, said the plane was forced to land in Baku because it was the nearest major airport capable of handling a large aircraft.
'The lady was really quite unwell and needed intravenous access while we were trying to land, which was a bit challenging,' Dr Urquhart told ABC News.
'In the air it was a bit stressful as we were flying towards Afghanistan.'
The female passenger who was taken ill and required intravenous help during the flight was taken to a hospital near Baku's airport for treatment.
'They're currently trying to find 400 hotel rooms in Azerbaijan while they fly a new plane from London,' Dr Urquhart said on Monday, local time.
'Apparently we'll be here on the tarmac for several hours as Qantas has to sort visas for everyone for Azerbaijan and all the hotel rooms in Baku.'
Qantas said the QF2 flight was originally due for routine maintenance checks in Singapore, but because of the emergency diversion, those checks had to be completed in Baku instead.
The flight couldn't continue the same day, as the operating crew had already reached their maximum legal working hours.
'Our London to Singapore service diverted to Baku in Azerbaijan yesterday due to a medical incident onboard,' a Qantas spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
'We apologise to customers for the disruption and are working to get them on their way to Singapore as soon as possible.'
All customers were provided with overnight accommodation and the flight is expected to depart for Singapore on Tuesday.
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