Air India Operates Special Flight From Milan To Bring Stranded Passengers Home Ahead Of Diwali

Air India operates special flight AI138D from Milan to Delhi to bring stranded passengers home ahead of Diwali.

New Delhi: Air India is stepping in to ensure that passengers stranded in Milan can celebrate Diwali at home, operating a special flight from Milan to Delhi on Sunday after a flight cancellation on Friday.

More than 250 passengers were left stranded in Milan when flight AI138 was cancelled due to a technical issue with the airline’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. Social media posts highlighted passenger frustrations over inadequate facilities and delayed arrangements.

Special Flight AI138D To Operate Today

In a statement, Air India confirmed that it would operate an additional commercial flight, AI138D, departing Milan at 19:00 local time and arriving in Delhi the next morning. The airline expedited the aircraft rectification process and secured the necessary approvals to ensure passengers could return home in time for the festive occasion.

The airline’s spokesperson said: "Our teams proactively reached out to affected passengers, offering them the choice to maintain their existing rebooked flights or switch to the additional flight operating today."

Passenger Rebooking And Visa Considerations

Passengers initially affected by the flight cancellation on October 17 had been rebooked on alternative flights, with post-Diwali arrivals. Air India ensured that passengers with critical travel constraints were accommodated.

For example, one passenger with a Schengen visa expiring on 20 October was rebooked on another airline’s flight departing Milan on 19 October to comply with visa requirements.

Technical Issue With Dreamliner Aircraft

The cancelled flight AI138 was scheduled to operate using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which faced a technical fault leading to the cancellation. Air India emphasized that safety was the top priority and reassured passengers that all technical issues were promptly addressed before operating the special flight.

Air India’s Commitment Ahead Of Diwali

Air India’s swift action demonstrates its commitment to passengers, ensuring that festival travel disruptions are minimized. By operating the special flight, the airline hopes to allow all stranded passengers to celebrate Diwali with their families, despite the earlier inconvenience.

Passengers affected by the cancellation are encouraged to coordinate with Air India’s support teams to confirm their bookings for the special flight or alternative arrangements.

Conclusion

The AI138D special flight reflects Air India’s proactive approach in handling travel disruptions and highlights the importance of timely passenger support, especially during peak festival travel periods like Diwali.