In a major travel mishap that ruined Diwali celebrations for hundreds, 255 passengers bound for Delhi found themselves stranded at Milan Malpensa Airport due to a technical snag in their Air India Dreamliner aircraft.
The nightmare began when Air India Flight AI-138, scheduled to depart from Milan on Sunday, developed serious technical issues with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner. What was supposed to be a festive journey home for Diwali turned into an endless wait at the Italian airport.
24-Hour Airport Ordeal
Passengers endured more than 24 hours of uncertainty and frustration as airline officials scrambled to address the aircraft's problems. The extended delay meant most travelers would miss their long-awaited Diwali celebrations with family and friends back in India.
"We were supposed to reach Delhi on Diwali day, but now we're stuck here without proper accommodation or clear information," lamented one frustrated passenger. The emotional toll was particularly heavy for those traveling specifically to reunite with loved ones for the festival of lights.
Air India's Response
Air India representatives at the airport provided limited updates, citing "technical issues requiring comprehensive checks" as the reason for the extended delay. The airline eventually arranged for passengers to be accommodated in local hotels, but the damage to their Diwali plans was already done.
The incident highlights the growing concerns about maintenance and reliability of aircraft in Air India's fleet, particularly their Dreamliners which have faced multiple technical issues in recent months.
Broader Implications
This disruption comes at a time when Air India is working to rebuild its reputation under new ownership. Such incidents during peak travel seasons raise questions about the airline's preparedness to handle technical emergencies and maintain schedule integrity.
For the 255 stranded passengers, the Diwali of 2023 will be remembered not for the lights and celebrations, but for the endless hours spent waiting in a foreign airport, hoping for a miracle that never came.
