Technical Glitch Forces Air India Flight to Return to Delhi Mid-Air

Monday morning travel plans hit a turbulent patch for passengers aboard a scheduled service from the national capital to Mumbai. Air India flight AI887 had to execute an unscheduled U-turn shortly after leaving the ground when the cockpit crew spotted a critical mechanical warning involving the engine.

According to airport sources, the Boeing 777-337 ER aircraft took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport at approximately 3:20 am. Just minutes into the journey, pilots observed that the oil pressure in the right-hand engine (Engine No 2) had plummeted dangerously low, eventually hitting zero. Following standard safety protocols, the flight commanders made the split-second decision to return to the base immediately rather than risk a long-haul journey.

Fortunately, the aircraft touched down without incident at the Delhi airport. Airline officials confirmed that all passengers and crew members disembarked safely at the terminal, and no injuries were reported during this precautionary return.

Addressing the incident, an official spokesperson stated that the return was a necessary step under standard operating procedures to ensure the wellbeing of everyone on board. Ground staff immediately stepped in to assist the stranded travelers, arranging alternative flights to get them to Mumbai with minimal delay. Meanwhile, the specific aircraft has been grounded for thorough technical checks and will only return to service once fully cleared by engineering teams.

This event marks the second technical glitch for the airline group in recent days. Just last week, on December 18, an Air India Express aircraft carrying VIPs, including former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, was cancelled before takeoff at Gannavaram Airport due to a similar engine snag. These back-to-back incidents have brought aircraft maintenance protocols under the spotlight during the busy holiday travel season.