A Mumbai-bound Air India flight was forced to return to Delhi on Monday morning after the crew detected a technical issue with one of the aircraft’s engines shortly after take-off.
The Boeing 777 aircraft, operating flight AI-887 from Delhi to Mumbai, had been in the air for about an hour when the flight crew noticed a drop in engine oil pressure during flap retraction after departure. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the issue was observed in the aircraft’s right-hand engine.
As the situation developed, the engine oil pressure reportedly fell to zero. Following standard safety procedures, the crew shut down the affected engine mid-air and decided to turn the aircraft back to Delhi. The plane landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport with around 355 passengers on board.
Confirming the incident, an Air India spokesperson said the decision to return was taken strictly in line with standard operating procedures. “The crew operating flight AI-887 from Delhi to Mumbai on December 22 decided to return shortly after take-off due to a technical issue. Passenger safety was our top priority,” the airline said, without specifying the exact nature of the fault.
In a detailed statement, the DGCA said the aircraft was involved in a precautionary air turn-back after low oil pressure was detected in Engine No. 2. Inspection and rectification work on the aircraft is currently underway.
The aviation regulator also said the incident will be investigated by the airline’s Permanent Investigation Board under the supervision of the Director of Air Safety (Northern Region), DGCA.
After the safe landing, all passengers and crew disembarked the aircraft. Air India expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and assured passengers that alternative arrangements were made promptly. “Our ground teams assisted passengers immediately, and a replacement aircraft was arranged to fly them to Mumbai. Refreshments and support were provided while they waited,” the airline said.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation also took note of the incident, stating in a post on X that it has sought a detailed report from Air India and directed the DGCA to conduct a thorough investigation. The ministry instructed the airline to extend all possible assistance to affected passengers.
Responding to the ministry’s statement, Air India said it fully empathised with passengers impacted by the precautionary return. Senior airline officials were present at the airport to assist travellers, and the replacement flight later departed with all passengers on board.
“We will fully cooperate with the investigation and regret the inconvenience caused,” Air India added, reiterating that passenger safety remains its highest priority.
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