A safety investigation has been launched after a major international carrier’s aircraft was forced to turn back to its departure airport due to a serious engine issue, aviation authorities confirmed on Monday. An Air India Boeing 777 operating flight AI-887 from New Delhi to Mumbai had to return to Indira Gandhi International Airport shortly after take-off when pilots detected a rapid drop in engine oil pressure.
The flight, carrying around 335 passengers and crew, departed early in the morning but was airborne for less than an hour before the crew identified a critical problem with the right-hand engine’s oil pressure, which soon dropped to zero — a condition treated as a severe technical warning in aviation. Following established safety protocols, the pilots shut down the affected engine and returned to Delhi, landing safely with no injuries reported.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a thorough probe into the incident, with the aircraft now undergoing detailed technical checks. Air India’s permanent investigation board is working with regulators to determine the cause of the engine malfunction, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation has requested a full report from the airline.
Air India arranged a replacement Boeing 777 to transport affected passengers to their destination later in the day, and airline officials reiterated that passenger safety remained their top priority.
