New Delhi, Dec 22 : An Air India Delhi–Mumbai flight had to return to Delhi shortly after take-off on December 22 after pilots detected a critical drop in engine oil pressure. Flight AI887, operated by a Boeing 777-337 ER, departed from Indira Gandhi International Airport at 3:20 am when the right-hand engine (Engine No 2) registered zero oil pressure, prompting the crew to follow standard emergency procedures.
The aircraft landed safely at Delhi, with all passengers and crew disembarking without injury. Air India confirmed that the decision to return was precautionary, prioritizing passenger safety above all.
“The crew operating flight AI887 decided to return to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical issue as per standard operating procedure. The aircraft landed safely, and passengers and crew have disembarked,” an Air India spokesperson said. The aircraft is undergoing technical checks and will resume operations only after clearance.
Passengers affected by the diversion were assisted at Delhi airport, with alternative arrangements arranged to ensure timely travel to Mumbai. “Air India sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen situation. The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remain our top priority,” the spokesperson added.
This incident follows a recent technical snag on an Air India Express flight to Visakhapatnam on December 18, which led to its cancellation. The problem was detected before take-off at Gannavaram Airport while taxiing, affecting several high-profile passengers, including former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu.