Air India Boeing 777 Suffers Engine Failure After Take-off, Returns Safely to Delhi

An Air India Boeing 777 carrying around 335 passengers safely returned to Delhi on Monday morning after experiencing an engine-related technical issue shortly after departure for Mumbai, aviation officials confirmed.

The aircraft, registered as VT-ALS and operating as flight AI 887, took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) at approximately 6:10 am. During the initial climb, the flight crew detected abnormal engine parameters and decided to abort the journey as a precaution, following standard safety procedures.

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What Went Wrong

According to a statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the issue was detected during flap retraction after take-off. The crew observed low oil pressure in engine number two (right-side engine), which soon dropped to zero.

“Following established operating procedures, the flight crew shut down the affected engine and elected to return to Delhi,” the ministry said. The aircraft landed safely at around 6:52 am.

Twin-engine aircraft such as the Boeing 777 are certified to operate safely on a single engine, and officials stressed that there was no danger to passengers during the incident.

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Emergency Protocols Activated

Airport authorities at IGIA activated emergency preparedness protocols in anticipation of the aircraft’s return. The landing was completed without incident, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a probe into the engine failure. The incident will be examined by Air India’s permanent investigation board under DGCA supervision.

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Passengers Reaccommodated, Replacement Aircraft Deployed

To minimise passenger inconvenience, Air India arranged a replacement Boeing 777, registered VT-ALP, to operate the Delhi–Mumbai service. Refreshments were provided to passengers at the boarding gate while they awaited the alternate flight.

Flight-tracking data indicates that the replacement aircraft departed Delhi at around 10:30 am, taking passengers onward to Mumbai.

DGCA officials also monitored Air India’s handling of passenger care following the air turn-back, officials said.

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Air India Statement

In a statement, an Air India spokesperson said the decision to return was taken strictly in line with safety protocols.

“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, as per standard operating procedures. The aircraft landed safely in Delhi, and passengers and crew disembarked normally,” the airline said.

“Air India sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen situation. The aircraft is undergoing necessary technical checks. The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority,” the statement added.

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Investigation Underway

The DGCA’s investigation will focus on the engine oil pressure failure and maintenance history of the aircraft. Aviation experts note that while such incidents are rare, they are treated with the highest level of scrutiny to ensure continued operational safety.

All passengers reached their destination on the replacement aircraft later in the morning.