An Air India spokesperson stated, “AI887 from Delhi to Mumbai on 22 December, after take-off, returned to Delhi due to a technical issue, as per standard operating procedure,” according to news agency ANI.
“The aircraft landed safely in Delhi, and both passengers and crew disembarked,” the spokesperson added.
However, News18 reported that the aircraft’s engine experienced a malfunction, necessitating the flight’s return. Additionally, Times Now noted that this was a “serious glitch”.
The airline later specified that the emergency landing was prompted by a technical issue, though it did not elaborate on the exact nature of the malfunction.
“The crew of flight AI887 from Delhi to Mumbai opted to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue, following standard operating procedure. The aircraft landed safely at Delhi, and all passengers and crew have disembarked,” the airline stated.
“Air India deeply regrets any inconvenience caused due to this unexpected event. The aircraft is currently undergoing necessary inspections. Our ground team in Delhi is providing immediate assistance to the passengers, and alternative arrangements will be made to transport them to their destination shortly,” it added.
Incident draws Govt attention
This incident has garnered the attention of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, prompting authorities to initiate checks to ascertain the cause.
“The Ministry of Civil Aviation has acknowledged the incident involving Air India flight AI-887 that reported a technical issue shortly after takeoff. The aircraft landed safely. The Ministry has requested a comprehensive report from Air India, and the DGCA has been instructed to carry out a thorough investigation,” the ministry conveyed in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
“The airline has been directed to provide all necessary support to passengers and accommodate them on subsequent flights. Passenger safety is of utmost importance,” it further stated.
In an update, the DGCA reported, “On 22.12.2025, Air India B777-300ER aircraft VT-ALS operating flight AIC 887 (Delhi-Mumbai) experienced an Airturnback. During flap retraction post-takeoff, the flight crew noticed low engine oil pressure in Engine No. 2 (the right-hand engine).”
“Shortly after, the engine oil pressure dropped to zero. Following protocols, the crew shut down the No. 2 engine, and the aircraft landed safely in Delhi,” it continued.
The regulatory body also mentioned that inspection or rectification is ongoing and that the incident will be investigated by the Permanent Investigation Board of the Airline under the supervision of the Director of Air Safety (NR), DGCA.
In a related incident, a London-bound Air India flight crashed in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff on June 12, resulting in 260 fatalities.
