'Tech issue': Air India Milan–Delhi flight cancelled after snag; 250 passengers stranded

Diwali celebrations were disrupted for hundreds of passengers hoping to reunite with family in India, after an Air India Dreamliner faced a technical snag at Milan airport on Friday.

Flight AI138 from Milan to Delhi, scheduled for October 17, was cancelled due to an extended technical requirement on the Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

Most of the 250 affected passengers have been rebooked on flights from October 20, which coincides with the Diwali festival.

Passengers took to social media to complain about limited facilities while stranded.

Air India said: "All affected passengers have been provided hotel accommodations. However, due to limited availability, accommodations were arranged outside the immediate vicinity of the airport."

The airline added: "Passengers have been rebooked on alternative flights on or after October 20, based on seat availability with Air India and other airlines."

About one passenger with an expiring Schengen visa, Air India said: "She has been rebooked on another airline's flight departing Milan on 19 October to ensure compliance with her visa validity."

Air India expressed regret over the inconvenience and said it is providing all necessary ground assistance, including meals, to affected passengers.

The Dreamliner , a Boeing 787-8, has faced technical issues in recent times, raising concerns about its reliability among travellers.