Air India Boeing 777 Returns to Delhi After Engine Oil Pressure Alert; Probe Ordered
A wide-body Air India Boeing 777 aircraft operating a Delhi–Mumbai flight was forced to return to the national capital shortly after take-off on Monday morning after pilots detected a critical drop in engine oil pressure. The incident has prompted India’s aviation authorities to order a detailed investigation into the matter.
The aircraft, bearing registration VT-ALS and operating as flight AI-887, had over 330 passengers and crew on board when the pilots noticed the issue in one of the engines. Acting in accordance with standard aviation safety procedures, the crew shut down the affected engine and safely landed the aircraft back in Delhi within minutes of departure.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has sought a comprehensive report from the airline, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been directed to conduct a thorough safety probe.
What Happened During the Flight
After a delay of over three hours, the Boeing 777 departed Delhi airport at 6:31 am, according to official sources and flight tracking data. The pilots noticed low oil pressure in the aircraft’s right-hand engine shortly after takeoff. According to reports, the pressure dropped to zero in a matter of seconds, prompting quick safety measures.
The flight crew turned off the damaged engine in midair in accordance with standard operating procedures. About 20 minutes after takeoff, the plane turned around and made a safe landing in Delhi.
Such measures are common when crucial engine parameters deviate from safe bounds, according to aviation experts. In these circumstances, reducing risk and guaranteeing a controlled return to the closest appropriate airport are of utmost importance.
Aircraft Details and Operational Background
The Boeing 777, a long-haul wide-body jet frequently used for international operations, is the aircraft involved in the incident. The particular aircraft, VT-ALS, was acquired by Air India during its time under government ownership prior to privatisation and is roughly 15 years old.
According to flight records, the aircraft mostly flies long-haul routes to North America and Europe. Its deployment on domestic sectors, such as Delhi-Mumbai, is comparatively rare and usually done to control aircraft availability or capacity requirements.
Even though an aircraft’s age does not determine its safety on its own, incidents like this are particularly important from a regulatory perspective because older aircraft need strict maintenance supervision.
Why Low Engine Oil Pressure Is a Serious Issue
Engine oil plays a critical role in lubricating and cooling aircraft engines. A sudden drop in oil pressure can indicate potential oil leaks, pump failure, or internal mechanical issues. If not addressed immediately, it can lead to engine damage or failure.
In commercial aviation, cockpit warning systems are designed to alert pilots early to such abnormalities. Once oil pressure drops below safe thresholds, pilots are trained to shut down the engine to prevent further damage or fire risk.
Aviation specialists emphasize that the response by the pilots in this case aligns with international safety standards and demonstrates proper crew training.
Can a Plane Fly on One Engine?
One of the most common questions following such incidents is whether a large aircraft can safely operate with a single engine. The answer is yes—modern twin-engine commercial aircraft, including the Boeing 777, are certified to fly safely on one engine.
However, safety regulations dictate that when an engine is shut down unexpectedly, the aircraft should divert to the nearest suitable airport as a precaution. This ensures minimal time spent airborne without full engine redundancy.
In this case, Delhi was the nearest and safest option, making the decision to return both logical and compliant with aviation norms.
Passenger Impact and Alternate Arrangements
The unplanned return resulted in significant inconvenience for passengers, many of whom were already dealing with a delayed departure. To accommodate travellers, Air India arranged another Boeing 777 aircraft, registered as VT-ALP, to operate the disrupted flight.
The replacement aircraft departed Delhi at 10:25 am and landed in Mumbai at 12:14 pm, according to flight tracking data. Passengers were rebooked on the alternate flight, and airline staff assisted with ground arrangements.
While such disruptions are frustrating, aviation authorities stress that safety-related diversions are non-negotiable and always take precedence over schedules.
Regulatory Response and Investigation
Following the incident, the Ministry of Civil Aviation sought a detailed explanation from Air India. The DGCA has been instructed to examine the technical fault, maintenance records, and operational procedures related to the aircraft.
The investigation will likely focus on several key areas, including:
- The exact cause of the oil pressure loss
- Maintenance history of the affected engine
- Compliance with scheduled inspections
- Crew response and adherence to procedures
Depending on the findings, the regulator may issue corrective actions, safety advisories, or additional checks for similar aircraft in the fleet.
Air India’s Safety Record Under Scrutiny
Since its privatisation, Air India has been in the midst of a large-scale transformation, including fleet renewal, service upgrades, and operational restructuring. However, legacy aircraft inherited from its earlier era continue to form part of its active fleet.
Incidents involving older aircraft often draw heightened attention, even when handled safely, as they raise questions about maintenance standards and fleet modernisation timelines.
Industry observers note that while isolated technical issues are not uncommon in aviation, transparency and swift regulatory action are essential to maintaining public confidence.
Broader Implications for Aviation Safety
This incident serves as a reminder of the complex systems that keep commercial aviation safe. Even minor anomalies detected early can prevent more serious outcomes.
India’s aviation sector has seen rapid growth in recent years, making regulatory oversight increasingly important. Authorities have repeatedly emphasised a zero-tolerance approach to safety lapses, especially involving wide-body aircraft used on long-haul routes.
The DGCA’s decision to order a thorough investigation underscores this stance and reflects global best practices in aviation safety management.
What Happens Next
Air India is expected to submit a detailed technical report to the aviation authorities. The affected aircraft will likely remain grounded until inspections and any necessary repairs are completed and approved by regulators.
For passengers, the incident is unlikely to have long-term consequences, but it may add to broader discussions around fleet age, maintenance investments, and airline accountability.
Safety First, Always
While the incident caused delays and inconvenience, the safe return of the aircraft highlights the effectiveness of aviation safety protocols and pilot training. Detecting the issue early and taking decisive action prevented any escalation and ensured passenger safety.
As the investigation proceeds, its findings will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, regulators, and passengers alike. In aviation, every incident—no matter how safely resolved—offers lessons that help strengthen the system as a whole.
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