22 December,2025 01:39 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
The aircraft is undergoing the necessary checks. File Pic
Air India on Monday said a Mumbai-bound flight returned to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical issue.
The flight AI887 was being operated with a Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft and was airborne for about an hour after taking off around 6.30 am.
"The crew operating flight AI887 from Delhi to Mumbai on 22 December decided to return to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical issue as per standard operating procedure. The aircraft landed safely at Delhi and the passengers and crew have disembarked. Air India sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen situation," an airline spokesperson said in a statement.
The aircraft is undergoing the necessary checks, the spokesperson added.
"Our ground team at Delhi is providing immediate assistance to the passengers and alternative arrangements have been made to fly them to their destination shortly. At Air India, the safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain top priority," according to the airline.
As per a PTI report, a source at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the plane made an air turn back as during flap retraction after take-off, the flight crew observed low engine oil pressure on the right-hand engine. The engine oil pressure dropped to zero, and the inspection is in progress, the source said.
The source also noted that review of previous records does not indicate any abnormality in oil consumption.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said it has taken note of the incident and has sought a detailed report from Air India. In a post on X, the ministry said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been directed to conduct a thorough investigation into the technical issue.
The ministry also directed the airline to extend all assistance to affected passengers and accommodate them on subsequent flights, reiterating that passenger safety remains paramount.
