DELHI- An Air India (AI) flight from Milan (MXP) to Delhi (DEL) scheduled for October 17 was canceled due to a technical snag, leaving more than 250 passengers stranded ahead of Diwali.
The airline confirmed that all 256 passengers and 10 crew members of flight AI138 were provided hotel accommodation and rebooked on alternative flights departing from October 20 onward.
Air India Cancels Milan to Delhi Flight
Air India (AI) cited an “extended technical requirement” as the reason for canceling flight AI138 from Milan (MXP) to Delhi (DEL) on October 17. The airline emphasized that the decision was taken to prioritize the safety of all passengers and crew.
The cancellation disrupted the Diwali travel plans of hundreds, as the next available flights were scheduled after the festival.
Air India arranged hotels for the stranded passengers, though due to limited availability, some accommodations were located outside the immediate airport area. The carrier also ensured that meals and ground assistance were provided throughout the delay.
One passenger, whose Schengen visa was set to expire on October 20, was given special assistance and rebooked on another airline’s flight departing Milan on October 19 to comply with visa regulations.
Official Remarks
In an official statement, Air India said that all affected passengers were being assisted with rebooking on both its own flights and partner airlines. “We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and reaffirm our commitment to the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew,” the airline noted.
While technical issues occasionally disrupt operations, Air India reiterated that passenger safety takes precedence over schedule commitments. The airline’s response included full accommodation, meals, and rebooking support for every stranded traveler.
The cancellation came at a time when demand for India-bound flights was at its peak due to Diwali. Many passengers expressed disappointment over missing family reunions and festive celebrations. Despite the setback, Air India’s quick rebooking efforts and visa assistance for one affected traveler helped mitigate further disruption.
Similar Incident
Similarly, on August 16, 2025, Air India (AI) canceled flight AI138 from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) after a maintenance issue surfaced during pushback.
The situation worsened when the operating crew reached their legally mandated Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), forcing the airline to cancel the service entirely. Passengers were offered hotel stays, refunds, or complimentary rebooking options.
The incident occurred on 16 August, just as Air India flight AI138 was preparing for departure from Milan (MXP) to Delhi (DEL). During pushback, ground engineers identified a maintenance issue that needed immediate attention before takeoff. Following standard safety procedures, the airline halted the operation to conduct necessary checks.
While the inspection was underway, the assigned flight crew exceeded their regulated duty-time limits, making them ineligible to operate the long-haul flight under aviation safety laws. In compliance with these regulations, Air India canceled the flight. The airline stated that the decision prioritized passenger safety and crew well-being.
Ground staff in Milan coordinated passenger assistance swiftly. Stranded travelers were accommodated in nearby hotels and provided meal vouchers. Those unwilling to wait for the next service were offered full refunds, while others received complimentary rebooking on subsequent flights to Delhi.
Air India issued an apology for the disruption and confirmed that its teams in Milan handled the situation on-site. The carrier emphasized its commitment to passenger care, noting that every affected traveler was assisted until alternative arrangements were finalized.
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