Air India Boeing 777 Makes Precautionary Return to Delhi, Highlighting Aviation Safety Standards in India

Published on December 22, 2025

Commercial aviation plays a vital role in supporting travel, tourism, and economic mobility across India, particularly on high-frequency routes such as Delhi to Mumbai. On December 22, 2025, this interconnected system once again demonstrated its emphasis on safety when Air India, the national carrier of India, made a precautionary operational decision involving a wide-body aircraft. A Boeing 777-300ER, operating as Flight AI887, was required to return to its origin airport shortly after departure due to an unexpected technical alert observed during climb.

The event, while resulting in inconvenience for travelers, highlighted the layered safety framework that governs modern aviation and reassures passengers navigating India’s busy air corridors. With more than 300 passengers onboard, the flight’s return to Delhi underscored how Air India safety protocols, aviation maintenance oversight, and pilot decision-making remain central to preserving confidence in air travel. For the tourism sector, where reliability and safety shape traveler perception, such incidents also reinforce the importance of transparency and regulatory compliance.

As air travel continues to connect India’s metropolitan hubs and international destinations such as Japan, precautionary measures like these remain essential in maintaining the long-term credibility of the country’s aviation ecosystem.

Air India Flight AI887 Returns to Delhi After Engine Alert

A Boeing 777 operated by Air India was required to return to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, shortly after departure on December 22, 2025. The aircraft had been scheduled to operate Flight AI887 from Delhi to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, one of India’s busiest domestic routes supporting business and leisure travel.

The return was initiated after an abnormal engine indication was observed during the initial climb phase. As per standard aviation procedures, the decision was taken to discontinue the flight and return to the departure airport as a precautionary safety measure. The aircraft remained airborne for nearly an hour before landing safely back in Delhi.

Technical Indication Observed During Critical Climb Phase

During flap retraction, a crucial stage of flight that demands continuous monitoring of aircraft systems, a drop in oil pressure was observed in the right engine. The indication reportedly showed oil pressure falling to zero shortly after takeoff. This phase of flight is operationally sensitive, and aviation protocols require immediate evaluation of any abnormal readings.

In alignment with established safety procedures, the flight crew assessed the situation and opted for a controlled return rather than continuing toward Mumbai. Such decisions are integral to minimizing risk and ensuring passenger safety, particularly on aircraft carrying several hundred travelers.

Safe Landing and Passenger Handling in Delhi

The Boeing 777 landed normally at Delhi airport without any further complications. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, and the aircraft taxied safely to the designated area following landing. All passengers disembarked in an orderly manner.

Approximately 335 passengers had been onboard the flight, many of whom were traveling for business, tourism, or onward connections within India. Air India initiated alternative arrangements to transport affected passengers to Mumbai at the earliest opportunity, demonstrating the airline’s responsibility toward minimizing disruption.

Aircraft Details and Service History

According to data from Planespotters.net, the aircraft involved was a Boeing 777-300ER, registered as VT-ALS. The aircraft is approximately 15.7 years old and is powered by two GE90 engines, widely used across long-haul fleets worldwide.

The aircraft is known to have sustained significant damage at Newark more than a decade ago, following which it required an extended repair period of approximately three months before returning to service. Since then, it has remained part of Air India’s active wide-body fleet, supporting both domestic and international operations.

Regulatory Oversight and DGCA Inspection

Following the incident, a source from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the engine oil pressure warning had been observed shortly after departure. In accordance with regulatory requirements in India, the aircraft was grounded for a detailed inspection.

Preliminary reviews of maintenance records indicated no previous abnormalities related to engine oil consumption on the aircraft. A comprehensive technical investigation is currently underway to determine the precise cause of the alert before the aircraft is cleared to return to service.

Such regulatory oversight is a cornerstone of aviation safety and directly impacts traveler confidence, particularly as India positions itself as a growing aviation and tourism hub.

Impact on Travel and Tourism Confidence

Incidents involving precautionary returns, while operationally disruptive, often reinforce confidence in airline safety practices rather than diminish it. For domestic tourism within India, especially on heavily traveled routes like Delhi to Mumbai, transparent communication and adherence to protocol play a key role in sustaining trust.

International travelers connecting through Indian hubs also observe how airlines and regulators manage such situations. The swift response by Air India and oversight by DGCA align with global aviation standards, which are critical for maintaining India’s reputation as a safe travel destination.

Reference to Similar Recent Air India Incident

The Delhi-Mumbai return followed another recent operational event involving Air India Flight AI358, scheduled to operate from Delhi to Tokyo Haneda Airport, Japan, on November 24, 2025. In that instance, a suspected technical issue led to a rejected takeoff during the takeoff roll.

The aircraft was safely brought to a halt and taxied back for inspection. Initial technical checks prompted precautionary measures, consistent with aviation safety norms observed globally. While a replacement aircraft was arranged, crew duty time limitations ultimately resulted in the cancellation of the flight.

Crew Duty Time Regulations and Passenger Support

Flight duty time limitations are strictly regulated to prevent fatigue-related risks and ensure operational safety. In the case of the Delhi-Tokyo service, exceeding these limits would have violated regulatory requirements, leading to the cancellation of the flight after all assessments were completed.

Passengers were informed promptly, and ground teams at Indira Gandhi International Airport provided assistance. Hotel accommodations, refund options, and complimentary rescheduling were offered, ensuring traveler welfare remained a priority.

Aviation Safety as a Pillar of Tourism Growth

As India continues to expand its aviation network and attract both domestic and international tourists, incidents such as the Air India Flight AI887 return serve as reminders of the importance of safety-first decision-making. While delays and cancellations are inconvenient, they underscore the robustness of systems designed to protect passengers.

For travelers heading to destinations across India or onward to countries such as Japan, confidence in airline operations remains closely tied to transparent safety practices. Air India’s handling of the situation reflects the broader commitment of Indian aviation authorities and airlines to maintaining high operational standards.