An Air India flight from Milan to Delhi was cancelled on Friday, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded in Italy just days before Diwali. The airline attributed the disruption to “an extended technical requirement,” saying the decision was taken in the interest of passenger safety.
Flight AI138, scheduled to depart from Milan on October 17, could not take off due to the technical issue with the aircraft. Air India said all affected passengers were provided hotel accommodation, though limited availability meant some were housed outside the airport area.
Passengers are being rebooked on flights from October 20 onwards, depending on seat availability with Air India and partner airlines. In one instance, a passenger whose Schengen visa expires on October 20 was accommodated on another airline’s flight departing Milan on October 19 to ensure compliance with visa norms.
Air India said it continues to provide meals and other ground assistance to those affected. “We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and reaffirm our commitment to the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew,” an airline spokesperson said.
The cancellation, coming ahead of the Diwali weekend, disrupted travel plans for many hoping to reach India in time for the festival.
– Ends
Tune In
