Air India Halts Milan to Delhi Flight, Leaving 256 Passengers and 10 Crew Stranded

Air India Cancels Milan to Delhi Flight

On October 17, an Air India (AI) flight scheduled from Milan (MXP) to Delhi (DEL) was canceled due to a technical issue. This left over 250 passengers stranded just before the Diwali festival.

The airline confirmed that all 256 passengers and 10 crew members of flight AI138 received hotel accommodations and were rebooked on alternate flights departing from October 20 onwards.

Technical Issues Leading to Cancellation

Air India attributed the cancellation to “extended technical requirements.” The decision aimed to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.

This cancellation disrupted the travel plans of many families as flights recommencing were scheduled after Diwali.

While the airline arranged accommodations for affected passengers, some hotels were located outside the airport due to limited availability. Air India also provided meals and ground assistance during the disruption.

One passenger facing an expiring Schengen visa on October 20 received special accommodation, rebooking on an alternate airline’s flight on October 19 to comply with the regulations.

Air India’s Commitment

In a statement, Air India expressed its regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers and reaffirmed its commitment to their safety and well-being. The airline’s response included full accommodation, meals, and support for rebooking every affected traveler.

The timing of the cancellation, amid high demand due to Diwali, disheartened many passengers who were hopeful for family reunions and festive celebrations. Nevertheless, the airline’s proactive efforts in rebooking and providing assistance helped mitigate the situation for those impacted.

Similar Incident

Another cancellation of flight AI138 occurred on August 16, 2025, from Milan to Delhi due to a maintenance issue detected during pushback. This situation became more complicated when the crew exceeded legal Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), necessitating a complete cancellation.

Passengers were provided hotel accommodations, refunds, or complimentary rebooking options. During pushback from Milan, engineers discovered a maintenance problem that required immediate attention, halting the operation for necessary checks to ensure safety.

With the flight crew’s time limits exceeded, they were declared ineligible to operate the flight under safety regulations. Air India promptly canceled the flight, emphasizing that passenger safety remains paramount. Ground staff responded quickly, coordinating passenger care effectively.

Travelers were offered accommodations, meal vouchers, and refunds, while others opted for quick rebooking on subsequent flights. The airline expressed apologies for the disruptions and reassured passengers of their commitment to excellent customer service.