A significant travel disruption unfolded for 256 passengers and 10 crew members booked on Air India flight AI138 from Milan to New Delhi, which was cancelled on Friday. The timing could not have been worse, with the flight cancellation occurring less than a week before Diwali, leaving many stranded and their holiday plans in disarray. The airline stated the cancellation was due to an ‘extended technical requirement’ of the aircraft, prioritizing passenger and crew safety above all.
Air India has mobilized resources to assist the stranded passengers, including securing hotel accommodations. While acknowledging the logistical hurdles, the airline ensured that all passengers were provided with shelter, albeit some further from the airport. A notable intervention involved rebooking a passenger with an expiring Schengen visa onto a flight departing the following day to meet their travel deadline. The airline extended its apologies for the inconvenience and confirmed ongoing provision of vegetarian meals and assistance.