Air India Boeing 777 Returns to Delhi After Critical Engine Oil Pressure Drops

December 22, 2025 at 05:44 AM•3 min read

Air India's Delhi-Mumbai B777 made a safe air turn back after a critical right engine oil pressure drop, prompting a DGCA investigation and passenger

Key Points

1Air India flight AI887, a Boeing 777-300ER, returned to Delhi shortly after take-off on December 22 due to a right engine issue.
2The DGCA confirmed the crew observed low engine oil pressure, which dropped to zero, prompting the air turn back and emergency landing.
3The aircraft, carrying approximately 335 people, landed safely, and the airline made alternative travel arrangements for all passengers.
4The DGCA has initiated an inspection of the jet engine malfunction, noting no prior abnormality in the aircraft's oil consumption records.

An Air India Boeing 777-300ER aircraft was forced to return to Delhi on Monday morning. The Mumbai-bound flight, AI887, encountered a technical issue with its right engine shortly after take-off. The crew followed standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure a safe return to Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Key Operational Details

Flight AI887 departed Delhi around 6:30 am. It was airborne for approximately one hour before the air turn back. The widebody twinjet was carrying around 335 passengers and crew. The aircraft executed an emergency landing and all persons disembarked safely, according to the airline. Air India expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to its passengers.

Engine Malfunction Report

A source at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) provided specific details on the technical fault. The flight crew observed low engine oil pressure on the right-hand engine. This occurred during the flap retraction phase after take-off. The pressure reading subsequently dropped to zero, a critical indication of a potential total lubrication failure.

Zero engine oil pressure in a jet engine is a severe warning. It signals a complete loss of lubrication for high-speed rotating components. This condition can lead to rapid mechanical failure or an uncontained engine failure. Pilots are trained to treat this as an engine-out scenario.

Safety and Regulatory Response

The DGCA source confirmed the crew's decision to perform an air turn back procedure. This action is a standard safety measure when a critical system failure is detected. The prompt return allowed for a safe, controlled landing.

The aircraft is now grounded at the airport for a thorough technical inspection. The airline stated that the plane is undergoing necessary checks. Alternative arrangements were made to fly the affected passengers to their final destination in Mumbai.

DGCA Oversight and Maintenance

The DGCA has initiated an inspection into the B777-300ER technical issue. The regulator's source noted that a review of the aircraft's previous records showed no abnormality in oil consumption. This suggests the issue may be sudden or localized, requiring a detailed investigation.

This incident highlights the critical role of continuous monitoring in commercial aviation safety. Modern jet engines, like those on the Boeing 777, have multiple safeguards. The crew's adherence to SOPs prevented a more serious situation. Such events are closely monitored by regulators globally, including the FAA and EASA, as part of ongoing safety analysis. The DGCA's swift action to inspect the aircraft ensures maximum trustworthiness in the fleet's operation. The outcome of the full inspection will be crucial for maintenance protocols.