Why Did an Air India Boeing 777 Shut Down an Engine Over Delhi?

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has ordered a high-level investigation into a serious technical incident. This follows a Mumbai-bound Air India flight that made an emergency landing in Delhi. The aircraft, a Boeing 777-300ER, experienced a mid-air engine oil pressure failure shortly after take-off. The flight, operating as AI-887, was carrying 335 passengers and crew. All individuals onboard were reported safe after the landing.

Incident Details and Crew Action

The incident occurred on December 22, 2025, after the aircraft departed Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). The flight crew observed low oil pressure on the right-hand engine (Engine No. 2). This occurred during the flap retraction phase of the climb. The pressure quickly dropped to zero, triggering the crew's response. Following the mid-air engine shutdown procedure, the pilots secured the affected engine. They then initiated a safe return to Delhi. The aircraft landed safely on its remaining engine. Modern twin-engine aircraft are specifically designed for safe single-engine operation. The engine involved is a powerful General Electric GE90 engine.

Regulatory and Airline Response

The DGCA MoCA probe investigation is now underway. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been directed to conduct a thorough investigation. This event is classified as a serious incident due to the unplanned engine shutdown. The DGCA will specifically review the aircraft’s aviation maintenance records review. This is to determine if any prior issues existed. The aircraft, registered as VT-ALS, is approximately 15 years old. Preliminary checks reportedly showed no previous abnormalities in oil consumption.

Air India expressed regret for the disruption. The airline quickly arranged an alternative Boeing 777 to transport the affected passengers to Mumbai. This prompt action minimized passenger inconvenience. The grounded aircraft is currently undergoing necessary checks.

Broader Commercial Aviation Safety Review

This Air India engine oil pressure failure highlights the importance of robust maintenance protocols. The DGCA's focus on maintenance records underscores the need for strict compliance. The incident comes as Air India is undergoing intense scrutiny regarding safety lapses. The successful emergency landing confirms the effectiveness of crew training and the twin-engine aircraft safety design. Industry experts will be watching the DGCA MoCA probe investigation closely for its findings. The goal is to prevent similar Air India Flight AI-887 incident events in the future. For more flight operation news on global aviation safety, visit flying.flights.