Mumbai-Bound Air India Boeing Returns to Delhi After Engine Oil Pressure Drops, Probe Ordered

A Air India flight from Delhi to Mumbai was forced to return to its origin airport shortly after take-off on Monday after the flight crew detected a technical issue related to engine oil pressure, officials confirmed.

The aircraft made a safe precautionary landing at Delhi airport, and all passengers and crew disembarked without any injuries.

What Happened During the Flight

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the incident involved a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft registered as VT-ALS, operating flight AI-887.

Soon after take-off, while the aircraft was retracting its flaps, the cockpit crew observed low engine oil pressure in Engine No. 2, the right-hand engine.

“The flight crew observed low engine oil pressure on Engine No. 2. Shortly thereafter, the engine oil pressure dropped to zero,” the ministry said in an official statement.

Precautionary Landing and Safety Protocols

Following established safety procedures, the pilots shut down the affected engine and decided to return to Delhi as a precaution.

The aircraft landed safely, and passengers were escorted off the plane without any medical issues reported. Officials said inspection and rectification work on the aircraft is currently underway.

DGCA-Backed Investigation Ordered

The incident will be investigated by Air India’s Permanent Investigation Board under the supervision of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), specifically the Director of Air Safety (Northern Region).

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also sought a detailed report from Air India on the incident.

“Passenger safety remains paramount,” the ministry emphasised, adding that the airline has been instructed to fully assist affected passengers and make alternate travel arrangements.

Air India Responds

In a statement, 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 to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical issue, as per established safety protocols,” the airline said.

The airline added that the aircraft is undergoing mandatory technical checks, while ground teams in Delhi are assisting passengers.

“Our ground staff is providing immediate support, and alternative arrangements have been made to fly passengers to their destination shortly,” the spokesperson said.

Passenger Assistance and Next Steps

Air India confirmed that affected passengers are being accommodated on subsequent flights to Mumbai, and no further disruption is expected once checks are completed.

Aviation experts note that precautionary landings due to engine alerts are part of normal safety procedures and help prevent potential risks during flight.

Related Topics:
Aviation News | Air India | DGCA | Passenger Safety | Boeing Aircraft

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