256-delhi-bound-passengers-stranded-in-italy-for-diwali

In a major setback for families eagerly awaiting reunions during India's vibrant Diwali festival, hundreds of passengers found themselves unexpectedly stranded at Milan Malpensa Airport in Italy after Air India's Flight AI138 to Delhi was abruptly cancelled on Friday.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, originally slated to carry 256 passengers and 10 crew members back to India just in time for the Diwali celebrations scheduled for Monday, never left the ground. The disruption came as a shock to travellers who had meticulously planned their journeys to join loved ones for the festival of lights, marked by traditional lamps, sweets, fireworks, and family gatherings across the country.

The cancellation stemmed from a critical issue with the aircraft itself, as confirmed by the airline. Air India attributed the decision to an "extended technical requirement", emphasising that the problem could not be resolved in time for departure.

"The flight was cancelled due to a technical snag in the aircraft, the airline said," according to reports from the scene. This last-minute development threw travel itineraries into disarray, leaving passengers uncertain about how they would make it home before the five-day Diwali festivities officially begin on Monday.

Air India was unequivocal in its rationale for the cancellation, placing passenger and crew safety above all else. In an official statement released shortly after the incident, the airline detailed the circumstances and reaffirmed its commitment to stringent safety protocols.

“Flight AI138 from Milan to Delhi on 17 October was cancelled due to an extended technical requirement on the aircraft scheduled to operate the flight, prioritising the safety of all passengers and crew,” Air India said in the statement.

This move underscores the airline's zero-tolerance policy for operational risks, even as it meant derailing the holiday plans of hundreds of families separated by continents.

In response to the chaos at the airport, Air India moved quickly to support the stranded travellers. The airline arranged alternative accommodations and rebookings, though logistical challenges arose due to the high demand during peak festival season.

All affected passengers have been provided with hotel accommodations, although the airline acknowledged that the hotels were located some distance from the airport due to limited availability.

"All affected passengers have been provided hotel accommodations; however, due to limited availability, accommodations were arranged outside the immediate vicinity of the airport," the airline said in a statement on Saturday.

To address individual needs, Air India went the extra mile for at least one passenger facing a pressing deadline. "Specifically, one of the passengers, whose Schengen visa expires on 20 October, has been rebooked on another airline's flight departing Milan on 19 October to ensure compliance with her visa validity," Air India said.

These efforts highlight the complexities of managing disruptions during high-traffic periods, when hotel rooms near major European airports are at a premium and alternative flights are scarce.

As the stranded passengers settled into their temporary lodgings, Air India extended a formal apology and outlined its continued assistance measures. The airline pledged comprehensive ground support to ease the ordeal.

"Air India continues to provide all necessary ground assistance, including meals, to all affected passengers. We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and reaffirm our commitment to the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew," the airline further read.

On-site reports described airline staff working tirelessly through the night, distributing meal vouchers, coordinating with immigration officials, and fielding anxious queries from families back in India. For many passengers, who had saved for months to afford the tickets, the gesture of free meals and hotel stays provided some comfort amid the frustration.

The cancellation of Flight AI138 is just one of several disruptions affecting Indian diaspora travel this Diwali season, as airlines worldwide grapple with maintenance backlogs and surging demand. Diwali, known as Deepavali, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and is one of the most important Hindu festivals, drawing millions of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) homeward each year.

 

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For the 256 passengers affected, the delay means potentially missing the Lakshmi Puja on October 20 or arriving after the initial family feasts. Social media posts from stranded travellers captured the disappointment, with one passenger writing, "Dreamt of lighting diyas with my kids, now stuck in Milan. Safety first, but heart is heavy."

As of Saturday morning, Air India confirmed that rebooking efforts were ongoing, with most passengers expected to depart within 48 hours. The airline urged affected individuals to check its official app or website for real-time updates.

This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between operational safety and the emotional weight of cultural milestones like Diwali, affecting not just schedules but the joy of homecoming for families across India.

 

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