DGCA Launches Probe After Air India Boeing 777 Suffers Mid-Air Engine Failure

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal aviation safety investigation into an in-flight engine shutdown incident involving an Air India Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The incident occurred on Monday, December 22, 2025, shortly after the aircraft took off from Delhi (DEL) for Mumbai (BOM).

The Ministry of Civil Aviation requested a detailed report from the airline. They also directed the DGCA to conduct a thorough probe into the matter. This action highlights the government’s focus on regulatory compliance and safety oversight.

The Incident Details

The aircraft was operating as Air India flight AI-887. It was carrying approximately 335 people on board. During the initial climb phase, the flight crew noticed a critical technical issue. Specifically, they observed low engine oil pressure on the right-hand engine (Engine No. 2).

This pressure quickly dropped to zero. Following airline standard operating procedures, the crew elected to shut down the engine mid-climb. The pilots then initiated an air turn-back to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.

The crew successfully landed the twin-engine aircraft safely on one engine. The aircraft was airborne for nearly an hour before its return.

Regulatory Response and Investigation

An unplanned engine shutdown is classified as a serious incident classification under aviation rules. This classification automatically triggers a formal investigation by the aviation watchdog.

A senior official confirmed the DGCA will investigate the event. The goal is to understand its causes and safety implications for the fleet. The incident will also be examined by Air India's Permanent Investigation Board. This board operates under the supervision of the Director of Air Safety (Northern Region), DGCA.

Potential Regulatory Actions

Depending on the findings, the DGCA has several courses of action. These may include:

• Issuing new safety directives to the airline.
• Publishing Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs).
• Taking enforcement action if regulatory violations are found.

Airline and Fleet Context

Air India released a statement confirming the return was due to a technical issue. They stressed that the crew acted in accordance with standard procedures. The airline arranged an alternative Boeing 777 aircraft. This replacement flight departed later, carrying all passengers to their destination.

The aircraft involved, a Boeing 777-300ER with registration VT-ALS, is approximately 15 years old. The age of the wide-body aircraft fleet has been a point of discussion. Air India is currently undertaking a major refurbishment and retrofit program for its older wide-body planes.

Industry data shows the average age of Air India's Boeing 777 fleet is around 15.1 years. The airline is investing heavily in fleet upgrades. This is part of a broader strategy to modernize its operations and maintenance. For more commercial aviation news and updates on fleet modernization, you can visit flying.flights.

Broader Safety Implications

This mid-air engine shutdown incident underscores the importance of robust maintenance oversight. While pilots are trained for such emergencies, the regulatory probe will focus on the root cause. The investigation will determine if the technical issue mid-climb points to a systemic problem. Preliminary reviews of maintenance records reportedly showed no prior abnormality in oil consumption.

Passenger confidence and the airline’s reputation are tied to these safety outcomes. The DGCA probes Air India to ensure the highest standards are maintained. The outcome could influence future maintenance protocols for the entire wide-body fleet. A similar incident involving another Air India group airline occurred just last week. That flight was cancelled after an engine-related technical snag was detected while taxiing.

Key Takeaways for Aviation Stakeholders

• 335 Passengers were safely returned to Delhi following the engine shutdown on the Boeing 777-300ER.
• The DGCA probes Air India incident, classifying the unplanned engine shutdown as a serious incident.
• The crew’s quick action, following airline standard operating procedures, ensured a safe landing.
• The investigation will focus on the cause of the engine oil pressure drop to zero during the climb phase.