Air India is set to operate a dedicated flight from Milan to Delhi this Sunday, October 19, 2025, providing a much-needed lifeline for passengers left stranded in the Italian city. Their original flight on Friday, October 17, was unexpectedly canceled due to a technical malfunction with the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.
Over 250 travelers found themselves stuck in Milan after the Friday cancellation. Social media platforms quickly became a forum for frustrated passengers, who voiced their distress and highlighted concerns about the lack of adequate facilities provided during their unexpected delay.
In response to the escalating situation, Air India announced on Sunday, October 19, that it would launch a special flight. This emergency operation is specifically designed to accommodate passengers from the ill-fated AI138 flight, ensuring their prompt return to India.
“To facilitate the return of our affected passengers to India in time for the festive celebrations, our teams worked diligently to expedite the aircraft’s repair process in Milan. We successfully secured the necessary approvals to operate an additional commercial flight, AI138D, which will depart Milan at 19:00 local time and arrive in Delhi on the morning of October 20,” Air India stated in a press release.
The airline also confirmed that its ground teams are proactively reaching out to all affected passengers. Many had already been rebooked on other airlines with anticipated arrivals after Diwali. Air India is now offering them the choice to either retain their existing rescheduled bookings or switch to this newly organized special flight.
The initial cancellation on Friday, October 17, had sparked widespread complaints, particularly because many passengers feared they would miss their Diwali celebrations in India. The prompt organization of the special flight directly addresses these urgent concerns.
The original Air India flight AI138, which was scheduled for October 17, was intended to be serviced by a Boeing 787-8, commonly known as a Dreamliner aircraft.
In an earlier statement issued on Saturday, October 18, regarding the Milan flight cancellation, Air India had noted that passengers were being rebooked on alternative flights, scheduled for or after October 20, contingent on seat availability with Air India and other carriers.
“Notably, a passenger whose Schengen visa was expiring on October 20 was successfully rebooked on another airline’s flight departing Milan on October 19, ensuring compliance with her visa validity,” Air India had previously assured, demonstrating efforts to manage critical individual cases.