Air France Pilot Asks Passengers To Chip In For Fuel After Emergency Landing In Syria
Usually requests for gas money are reserved for road trips between college buddies, but an Air France pilot had to ask for chip ins after he was forced to land the plane in the war-torn Syrian capital Damascus.
The captain initially diverted to Annan, Jordan after a fight broke out on the plane.
When he realized he could not make it to Jordan, he landed in the ravaged Syrian capital, where rebels are fighting to overturn tyrannical President Bashar Assad’s regime.
Once landed in Damascus, the crew of the plane were faced with a horrifying reality — the Air France company credit card would not be accepted in refueling.
Their only option was to ask the passengers of the flight to pony up as much cash as possible to get out of the warzone, and reach the safest airport in Cyprus.
One passenger reflected upon the incident.
“We were then told there were some problems and that there was no money to pay for the fuel.
“They asked if the passengers could contribute for the refueling which could only be paid for in cash,” said the Lebanese businessman. “As people were rummaging through their handbags and wallets, we were told a solution had been found to the problem.”
Many passengers were worried about landing in Syria, as Syria and France have been far from the best of terms as of late, with many western companies cutting supply routes to and from Syria.
Luckily, a solution was found, and the Air France flight was able to resume its journey.
Elite.
