Hundreds of passengers, many returning to India for the Diwali festival, were left stranded at Milan Malpensa Airport on October 17, 2025, after Air India cancelled flight AI138 to Delhi due to a technical issue with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. The cancellation, announced just hours before the scheduled 9 p.m. departure, affected 256 passengers and 10 crew members, disrupting festive travel plans during one of India's most significant holidays. Air India prioritised safety, stating that an "extended technical requirement" necessitated grounding the plane to ensure the well-being of all on board. Diwali, falling on October 20 this year, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and involves family gatherings, fireworks, and elaborate feasts, making timely returns home particularly poignant for the expatriate community.

The sudden disruption caught travellers off guard, with reports of frustration over delayed communications and logistical challenges. Some passengers, including young mothers with toddlers, expressed concerns about running out of provisions for children, while others worried about elderly relatives left at the airport without multi-entry visas. Initial hotel accommodations were arranged, but several groups were housed outside the airport vicinity and later asked to check out unexpectedly, exacerbating the inconvenience.

Air India responded by providing meals and ground assistance, rebooking most passengers on alternative flights departing on or after October 20—coinciding with Diwali—via the airline or partners based on availability. In a special case, one passenger facing a Schengen visa expiration on October 20 was accommodated on another carrier's flight leaving Milan on October 19 to avoid legal complications. The airline issued an apology, reaffirming its commitment to passenger safety amid the ordeal.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges for Air India, which has faced scrutiny over technical reliability with its Dreamliner fleet in recent months, including previous delays and maintenance issues that have drawn regulatory attention from India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The cancellation comes at a peak travel period, with Diwali seeing a surge in international flights to India; last year, over 1.5 million passengers flew home for the festival, according to aviation data.

Affected travellers, primarily Indian nationals working or studying in Europe, now risk missing family celebrations, with some voicing disappointment on social media about the lack of immediate alternatives. Experts note that such disruptions underscore the vulnerabilities in long-haul operations, especially during high-demand seasons, and call for improved contingency planning by carriers.

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As rebookings proceed, Air India continues to monitor the situation, promising full support until passengers reach their destinations. The event has sparked discussions on passenger rights under EU regulations, which mandate compensation for cancellations due to technical faults unless safety is directly implicated. With Diwali festivities underway in India, the stranded group in Milan represents a poignant reminder of how aviation glitches can intersect with cultural imperatives. Updates from the airline indicate that most affected individuals should arrive home by mid-week, allowing partial participation in post-festival gatherings, though the initial setback remains a sour note to the holiday spirit.

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