In a significant travel disruption, more than 250 passengers have been left stranded at Milan's Malpensa Airport after Air India abruptly cancelled its flight AI-138 bound for New Delhi. The cancellation, attributed to an unspecified technical problem with the aircraft, has created chaos for travelers who were scheduled to depart on Friday evening.
Passengers Face Extended Stay in Milan
The affected passengers, including families, business travelers, and students, expressed frustration as they scrambled to make alternative arrangements. Air India ground staff at Milan airport have been working to accommodate passengers in local hotels while the airline attempts to resolve the technical concerns.
"We were informed about the cancellation just as we were preparing to board," shared one passenger via social media. "The lack of clear communication about when we might get another flight is the most frustrating part."
Air India's Response and Compensation Measures
According to airline representatives, affected passengers are being provided with:
- Accommodation at nearby hotels
- Meal vouchers for the duration of the delay
- Assistance with rebooking on alternative flights
- Regular updates on the technical resolution timeline
The airline has acknowledged the inconvenience caused and stated that their technical team is working to address the aircraft issue promptly. However, no specific timeline has been provided for when normal operations might resume.
Growing Concerns Over Air India's Operational Reliability
This incident adds to growing concerns about Air India's operational efficiency following the Tata Group's acquisition. Industry observers note that while the airline is undergoing significant transformation, such technical disruptions continue to challenge its reputation for reliability.
Passengers are advised to check their flight status directly with Air India and allow extra time for potential disruptions when traveling on this route in the coming days.
