Milan, Italy – October 19, 2025 – In a crucial intervention timed perfectly with the festive spirit of Diwali, Air India successfully operated a special flight, AI138D, from Milan to Delhi on Sunday, October 19, repatriating over 250 passengers who had been stranded since October 17 due to a significant technical issue with a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline’s swift action aimed to ensure that the affected travelers could reach their homes in India for the widely celebrated festival.
Technical Glitch Halts Milan-Delhi Flight, Strands Hundreds
The disruption began on Friday, October 17, when Air India’s scheduled flight AI138 from Milan to Delhi was cancelled due to an unexpected technical fault detected in the Boeing 787-8 aircraft upon its arrival in Milan. This “extended technical requirement,” as described by the airline, necessitated extensive maintenance, forcing the grounding of the aircraft and the cancellation of the return flight. Consequently, more than 250 passengers, along with 10 crew members, found themselves stranded in the Italian city, their travel plans thrown into disarray just days before the Diwali weekend.
The cancellation significantly impacted passengers hoping to reunite with families for one of India’s most important festivals. Social media was abuzz with complaints detailing the inconvenience, including concerns about the adequacy of facilities provided to the stranded travelers at Milan Airport. The situation highlighted the critical nature of timely travel during peak festive seasons.
Air India’s Swift Response: A Special Rescue Flight
Responding to the escalating situation and the distress of the stranded passengers, Air India’s teams worked around the clock to expedite the rectification process for the affected Boeing 787-8. Securing the necessary approvals, the airline announced the operation of a special commercial flight, AI138D, to bring the passengers back to India. The flight was scheduled to depart from Milan at 1900 hours local time on Sunday, October 19, with an expected arrival in Delhi on the morning of October 20.
Air India stated that its teams were proactively reaching out to all affected passengers. This included those who had already been rebooked on other airlines for post-Diwali arrivals, offering them the choice to either maintain their existing bookings or switch to the specially arranged rescue flight. This significant development underscores the airline’s commitment to managing the unfolding happenings effectively.
Passenger Welfare and Support Amidst Disruption
Throughout the disruption, Air India confirmed that it provided immediate assistance to the stranded passengers. This included arranging hotel accommodation and meals. The airline also offered passengers the option of full refunds or complimentary rescheduling, depending on their preferences. For one passenger facing a visa deadline, Air India arranged rebooking on another airline’s flight departing Milan on October 19 itself, ensuring compliance with her Schengen visa validity which was set to expire on October 20.
While Air India acknowledged social media feedback regarding limited facilities, it reiterated its efforts to provide comprehensive ground support. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety and welfare, emphasizing that all decisions were made prioritizing the well-being of everyone on board and in their care.
Recurring Technical Issues and Operational Reliability
The incident adds to a series of technical challenges that Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet has encountered in recent months. Similar cancellations on the Milan-Delhi route have occurred previously, including on August 16, 2025, due to technical issues detected during pre-departure checks or maintenance tasks that led to crew duty-time limitations. These recurring technical glitches have intensified concerns regarding the operational reliability of the airline’s long-haul aircraft, drawing attention from regulatory bodies. While this particular rescue mission aims to resolve the immediate crisis, the broader context of such disruptions continues to be a point of focus for the airline and its passengers alike, making this news a trending topic in aviation circles.
Despite the operational hurdles, the successful operation of the special flight AI138D signifies Air India’s dedication to resolving passenger-stranded situations and ensuring that, even amidst unforeseen circumstances, travelers can reunite with their loved ones, especially during significant festive periods like Diwali. This comprehensive effort to bring over 250 individuals home is a testament to the airline’s crisis management capabilities, providing a sense of reassurance to its passengers.
