An Air India Boeing 777 operating as flight AI 887 from Delhi to Mumbai encountered an engine failure shortly after take-off on Monday morning, prompting an emergency return to Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). The aircraft carried approximately 335 passengers and crew. Twin-engine planes are designed to land safely on a single engine, and the aircraft returned without incident, with IGIA authorities prepared for the emergency landing in line with aviation protocols.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the flight crew observed a drop in engine oil pressure on the right-hand engine during flap retraction. The pressure subsequently fell to zero, prompting the crew to shut down the affected engine. The aircraft landed safely at Delhi within 42 minutes of departure. “The permanent investigation board of the airline, under DGCA supervision, will probe the incident to determine its root cause,” the ministry added.
Passengers experienced minimal inconvenience, with Air India arranging an alternate Boeing 777 (VT-ALP) to continue the journey to Mumbai. The replacement flight departed Delhi at 10:30 am, and refreshments were provided to passengers during the wait. An Air India spokesperson confirmed that the airline is conducting all necessary checks on the aircraft and reiterated that passenger safety remains the highest priority.
Aviation safety experts noted that such turnbacks, though rare, are standard procedure when technical anomalies are detected. “Aircraft systems are designed with multiple redundancies. The crew followed protocol precisely, ensuring the flight returned safely without risk to passengers or crew,” said an industry official. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a formal investigation into the incident, focusing on engine performance and maintenance protocols. This is part of the broader regulatory framework aimed at ensuring safety across India’s commercial aviation sector, which has seen increasing passenger numbers and operational demands.
Passengers and observers highlighted the importance of well-trained crews and strict maintenance standards in managing midair emergencies. Urban transport analysts emphasise that proactive handling of technical issues, combined with clear communication and contingency planning, is crucial for maintaining public confidence in air travel. The incident underscores the robustness of aviation safety standards in India and the capacity of airlines to respond efficiently to technical issues. While minor disruptions occurred, the quick and coordinated response demonstrates the industry’s commitment to operational safety and passenger wellbeing.
Delhi Air India Flight AI 887 Returns On Schedule Safely With Passengers
