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**Air India Launches Special Rescue Flight for Over 250 Stranded Passengers in Milan**
In a swift response to an unexpected crisis, Air India has come to the rescue of more than 250 passengers who found themselves stranded in Milan, Italy, after their scheduled flight to Delhi was grounded due to technical issues. The airline’s decision to operate a special relief flight has brought much-needed relief to travelers who had spent days in limbo, many of whom were eager to return home to India in time for the Diwali festivities.
**The Incident: A Dreamliner Grounded in Milan**
The sequence of events began on October 17, when Air India flight AI138, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, encountered a serious technical problem upon landing in Milan. The exact nature of the malfunction was not detailed by the airline, but it was severe enough to require extensive maintenance and ultimately led to the cancellation of the return journey to Delhi. This left a large group of passengers, including families and individuals traveling for the Diwali holiday, stranded far from home with their plans upended.
Recognizing the distress and inconvenience caused by the unexpected grounding, Air India quickly moved to provide support to those affected. The airline arranged hotel accommodations and meals for the stranded passengers, and also offered options for refunds or rescheduling flights, in accordance with international aviation practices. In a public statement, the airline expressed its regret over the situation, saying, “We remain deeply committed to supporting our guests at every step and regret the inconvenience caused.”
**Special Relief Flight Announced**
As the situation unfolded and it became clear that the Dreamliner would not be able to return to service quickly, Air India announced the launch of a special relief flight to bring the stranded passengers home. The additional service, designated as AI138D, was scheduled to depart from Milan at 7:00 p.m. local time on Sunday, October 19, and was expected to arrive in Delhi by the morning of October 20. This announcement brought immediate relief to the affected travelers, many of whom had spent an anxious and uncertain few days in Milan.
According to airline officials, priority was given to those who were originally booked on the canceled flight, with special consideration for families and elderly passengers. The airline coordinated with local authorities and ground staff in Milan to ensure a smooth boarding process and to minimize any further inconvenience.
**Addressing Passenger Concerns**
During the days of uncertainty, several passengers took to social media to express frustration about the limited facilities and support they experienced at Milan’s Malpensa Airport. Some complained about long waits and the lack of clear communication regarding when they would be able to return home. There were also concerns about the location of the hotels provided, with some travelers stating that their accommodations were far from the airport and required additional travel.
Air India responded to these concerns by clarifying the steps it had taken to provide for its passengers. The airline explained that, due to high demand for hotel rooms in Milan—partially because of the large number of stranded travelers—some guests had to be accommodated in hotels further from the airport. The airline maintained that all affected passengers were provided with necessary lodging, meals, and assistance, and that efforts were made to keep everyone informed about developments as the situation evolved.
A spokesperson for Air India reiterated the airline’s commitment to passenger welfare, stating, “Our teams worked tirelessly to make arrangements for every affected traveler. We understand the disappointment and frustration caused by such disruptions, especially during festival season, and we are grateful for the patience and understanding shown by our guests.”
**A Broader Pattern of Disruptions**
It is important to note that this is not the first instance of disruptions on the Milan–Delhi route for Air India. Earlier in the year, similar incidents had been reported. In August, the airline was forced to halt services on the same route on two separate occasions—once due to technical faults and another time as a result of mandatory flight crew duty restrictions. These repeated interruptions have raised concerns among frequent flyers regarding the reliability of the service, especially during peak travel periods.
Despite these issues, Air India has consistently emphasized that passenger safety is its highest priority. In each case of disruption, the airline has cited its adherence to strict safety protocols, which sometimes necessitate the cancellation or delay of flights. “Safety remains our top priority, and we will always