Qantas Passengers Stranded in Azerbaijan: Cryptocurrency Payment Chaos

Qantas Passengers Stranded in Azerbaijan After Emergency Landing, Forced to Pay with Cryptocurrency A Qantas flight en route from London to Singapore made an unscheduled landing in Azerbaijan on June 10, 2025, following a medical emergency onboard. The incident left hundreds of passengers stranded, facing significant challenges in rebooking their flights. According to reports, the airline unexpectedly restricted payment options to cash or cryptocurrency, leaving many passengers without the means to secure alternative flights. This situation created widespread confusion and frustration among the affected travelers. Nine News European correspondent Hannah Sinclair, who was among the stranded passengers, took to social media to express her disappointment and describe the chaotic situation at the airport. "It was utter chaos," Sinclair stated, "No clear instructions, limited options, and the added frustration of not even being able to use cards for rebooking." Sinclair's social media post quickly went viral, drawing attention to the incident and generating widespread discussion about the airline's handling of the situation. The incident raises concerns about the preparedness of airlines to handle medical emergencies and the potential impact of unconventional payment restrictions on stranded passengers. The lack of clear communication and support from Qantas staff further exacerbated the situation. Qantas has yet to issue an official statement addressing the incident and the challenges faced by its passengers.