Air India Operates Special Flight to Bring 256 Stranded Passengers from Milan to Delhi for Diwali

Air India Rescues Stranded Passengers Ahead of Diwali

Air India successfully operated a special flight, AI138D, from Milan to Delhi on October 19, 2025, to bring home 256 passengers who had been stranded in Italy. The passengers were left in Milan after their original flight, AI138, was cancelled due to a technical issue, jeopardizing their plans to celebrate Diwali in India.

Technical Snag Grounds Original Flight

The incident began on Friday, October 17, 2025, when Air India flight AI138, scheduled to depart from Milan for Delhi, was cancelled. The cancellation was attributed to an 'extended technical requirement' with the aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANN), which developed a snag upon landing in Milan. This technical issue prevented the aircraft from operating its return journey to Delhi, leaving hundreds of passengers, including 10 crew members, stranded. Many of these travelers were returning home specifically for the upcoming Diwali festivities, making the delay particularly distressing.

Airline's Swift Response and Special Arrangement

In response to the situation, Air India announced the operation of an additional commercial flight, AI138D. This special flight departed from Milan at 19:00 local time on Sunday, October 19, and was scheduled to arrive in Delhi on the morning of October 20. The airline confirmed that it had extended 'all immediate assistance' to the affected passengers, which included providing hotel accommodation and meals. Passengers were also offered options for 'full refunds or complimentary rescheduling' as per their preference. Air India proactively reached out to passengers who had initially been rebooked on later dates to offer them the option to switch to the special flight. Furthermore, special consideration was given to individual needs, such as rebooking a passenger with an expiring Schengen visa on another airline's flight departing on October 19 to ensure compliance with visa validity.

Diwali Homecoming Ensured

The operation of the special flight was a significant relief for the 256 passengers, many of whom were anxious about missing Diwali celebrations with their families. The airline's decision to expedite the rectification process and secure approvals for the additional flight underscored its commitment to ensuring passengers could reach India in time for the 'festival of lights.' This incident highlights the challenges faced by airlines due to technical issues, but also demonstrates the efforts made to mitigate passenger inconvenience, especially during peak festive travel periods.