Certainly! Here is a clear, well-structured summary of the article, expanded into approximately 1200 words. The summary covers all key events, provides context, and explores the impact of the incident on passengers, the airline’s response, and the broader implications:
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**Air India Cancels Milan-Delhi Flight Before Diwali, Disrupting Festive Travel Plans for Hundreds**
As Diwali, one of the most significant festivals in India, approached in October 2025, hundreds of Indian passengers living in or visiting Italy found their plans thrown into disarray when Air India abruptly cancelled its scheduled Milan-Delhi flight, AI-138. The cancellation, which airline officials attributed to a technical fault, left 255 passengers and 10 crew members stranded in Milan, scrambling for alternate arrangements during a period when demand for flights to India surges.
### The Incident: What Happened?
Flight AI-138 was scheduled to depart from Milan, Italy, to Delhi, India, on October 17, 2025. The aircraft assigned for this route was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANN. The same plane had flown into Milan earlier that day as flight AI-137, having departed Delhi at 2:54 pm. Notably, this incoming journey had already faced minor operational challenges, as the aircraft was forced to take a longer route bypassing Pakistani airspace due to current restrictions, extending the typical flight duration to approximately nine hours.
Upon arrival in Milan, routine post-flight checks revealed a technical issue with the aircraft. The specifics of the problem were not disclosed, but Air India described it as one requiring “extended technical requirements.” Given the nature of international aviation safety standards and the complexities involved in troubleshooting and repairing advanced aircraft like the Boeing 787, the airline’s maintenance team determined that it would not be possible to rectify the fault in time for the scheduled return to Delhi.
### Prioritizing Safety: The Decision to Cancel
Air India quickly announced the cancellation of the Milan-Delhi leg. In a statement, the airline emphasized that the decision was made with the safety of passengers and crew as the top priority. “We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers, but ensuring their safety and well-being is paramount,” an airline spokesperson stated.
While flight delays and cancellations are always disruptive, the timing of this incident was particularly sensitive. Diwali, known as the “Festival of Lights,” is a time when Indian families reunite, and many non-resident Indians (NRIs) make special trips home. The Milan-Delhi route, especially during this season, is usually packed with travelers eager to spend the holidays with loved ones.
### Immediate Aftermath: Stranded Passengers in Milan
With the cancellation announcement, Air India faced the immediate challenge of caring for 255 stranded passengers, plus its flight crew. Many travelers, who had been planning for months to make it home in time for Diwali celebrations, were suddenly left with uncertain itineraries, expired hotel bookings back in India, and mounting anxiety over whether they would reach home for the festival.
Air India responded by arranging hotel accommodations for all affected individuals. Given the sudden surge in demand—compounded by Milan’s own tourist traffic and the fact that large numbers of travelers were seeking rooms at once—not all accommodations could be secured close to the airport. Some passengers were transported to hotels further afield, requiring additional ground transportation and coordination.
Throughout their stay, the airline provided meals and essential ground assistance, ensuring that stranded travelers had access to food and support while they awaited further updates.
### Rebooking and Special Cases
Recognizing the urgency of the situation—especially given that many travelers had made onward connections or had limited time left on their visas—Air India began working to rebook passengers on the next available flights. This process was complicated by the high demand for seats on flights to India just before Diwali, limited seat availability, and the need to coordinate with other carriers in the absence of spare Air India aircraft in Milan.
The airline announced that most passengers would be rebooked on flights departing on October 20 or later, depending on the availability of seats not only on Air India but also with partner and third-party airlines. For example, one passenger whose Schengen visa was set to expire on the Monday following the incident was given special priority and rebooked on a different airline’s flight the following Sunday, ensuring that they would not overstay their visa or face immigration complications.
Air India reassured