Hundreds of passengers travelling to India from Italy for Diwali were left stranded on Friday after Air India cancelled its Milan–Delhi flight due to a technical issue.
The sudden breakdown of the flight left many unsure if they would make it home before the festival.
In a statement, the airline said flight AI138, scheduled to depart from Milan on October 17, was cancelled owing to an “extended technical requirement” on the aircraft meant to operate the route.
“The decision was taken prioritising the safety of all passengers and crew,” an Air India spokesperson said.
The airline confirmed that all affected passengers were provided with hotel accommodation, though some were housed outside the airport’s immediate vicinity due to limited availability.
“Passengers have been rebooked on alternate flights on or after October 20, 2025, depending on seat availability with Air India and partner airlines,” the spokesperson added.
Since Diwali falls on October 20, many passengers now face the prospect of celebrating the festival away from home.
The airline said it had made special arrangements for one passenger whose Schengen visa was set to expire on Monday, rebooking them on another airline’s flight a day earlier.
“Air India continues to provide all necessary ground support, including meals, to the affected passengers. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and reaffirm our commitment to passenger safety and comfort,” the spokesperson said.
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