Hundreds of passengers faced travel disruption on Friday as Air India was forced to cancel its Milan to Delhi service due to unexpected technical problems with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Flight Grounded at Milan Malpensa
The affected flight, AI 138, was scheduled to depart from Milan Malpensa Airport but remained grounded following the discovery of technical issues during routine pre-flight checks. The Dreamliner aircraft, known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, developed unspecified technical problems that required immediate attention.
Passenger Assistance Measures
Air India has activated its passenger care protocol to assist affected travelers. According to airline officials, alternative arrangements are being made for stranded passengers, including rebooking on subsequent flights and exploring options with partner airlines.
"The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority," an Air India spokesperson stated. "We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers and are working to minimize disruption to their travel plans."
Dreamliner's Technical Track Record
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has faced various technical challenges since its introduction, though aviation experts emphasize that such occurrences are part of normal airline operations. What makes this incident notable is the complete cancellation rather than a delayed departure, suggesting the technical issue required more extensive repairs.
Impact on India-Italy Air Connectivity
This cancellation comes at a time when air travel between India and Italy has been steadily increasing. The Milan-Delhi route serves as a crucial connection for business travelers, tourists, and the significant Indian diaspora in northern Italy.
Passengers affected by the cancellation are advised to:
- Contact Air India's customer service immediately
- Check their email for official communications from the airline
- Keep all travel documents handy for rebooking procedures
- Monitor flight status through official channels before heading to the airport
The airline has assured that normal operations will resume once the technical matter is resolved and the aircraft receives necessary clearances from maintenance teams.
