New Delhi, Dec 22: A Mumbai-bound Air India Boeing 777 aircraft returned to Delhi and made a precautionary landing on Monday morning after one of its engines was shut down shortly after takeoff, aviation officials said.
Flight AI887, carrying about 335 passengers and crew, took off from Delhi around 6:30 a.m. and remained airborne for nearly an hour before turning back due to a technical issue, according to sources.
“The crew operating flight AI887 from Delhi to Mumbai decided to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue as per standard operating procedure,” Air India said in a statement.
The aircraft landed safely at the Delhi airport, and all passengers and crew disembarked without injury, the airline said, adding that it regretted the inconvenience caused.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has been directed to conduct a detailed investigation, while the civil aviation ministry has sought a report from the airline on the incident.
“The ministry has taken note of the incident and has asked Air India for a detailed report. DGCA has been directed to conduct a thorough investigation,” the ministry said in a post on X, adding that the airline had been instructed to assist passengers and accommodate them on subsequent flights.
A DGCA official said the aircraft experienced an air turn-back after the flight crew observed low oil pressure in the right-hand engine during flap retraction after takeoff.
“Shortly thereafter, the engine oil pressure dropped to zero. Following procedures, the crew shut down engine No. 2 and landed safely in Delhi,” the official said, adding that inspection and rectification were underway.
Air India said the aircraft was undergoing necessary checks and alternate arrangements had been made to fly passengers to Mumbai.
