New Crisis Averted: Air India’s Urgent Emergency Landing Of Boeing 777 In Delhi Safeguards Passengers From Potential Engine Failure Disaster

Published on December 22, 2025

On December 22, 2025, Air India’s Boeing 777, with 335 passengers on board, was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to a critical engine oil pressure failure. The crew followed standard safety procedures, opting for an emergency landing to ensure the safety of everyone on board. The issue arose during flap retraction after takeoff when the right engine’s oil pressure dropped to zero. This led to a decision to turn back and land safely in Delhi. The airline promptly handled the situation, providing alternative arrangements for the passengers, while the aircraft underwent necessary inspections to resolve the issue.

On the morning of December 22, 2025, an Air India Boeing 777-300ER aircraft operating flight AI887 was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue involving the aircraft’s right engine. The plane, which was initially bound for Mumbai, had taken off from Delhi at approximately 6:30 AM, carrying around 335 passengers. After being airborne for nearly an hour, the crew decided to make an emergency landing, prioritizing the safety of everyone on board. The incident has drawn attention to the importance of safety protocols and the airline’s immediate response to ensure the well-being of both passengers and crew.

Air India confirmed the incident in a statement, explaining that the decision to return to Delhi was made after the crew identified a potential issue with the right engine. According to the airline, the technical issue occurred shortly after takeoff, when the crew noticed a problem during the flap retraction process. The issue involved the engine oil pressure, which, according to sources, dropped to zero. At this point, the crew opted to follow standard operating procedures and return the aircraft to Delhi. The Boeing 777-300ER safely landed back in Delhi without incident, and all passengers and crew were able to disembark from the plane.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulatory body, provided additional details regarding the issue. A source from the DGCA explained that during the flap retraction after takeoff, the flight crew observed the low oil pressure in the right engine. The engine oil pressure eventually dropped to zero, prompting the decision to turn back. The DGCA also noted that an inspection of the aircraft was underway to determine the cause of the oil pressure issue. Fortunately, the aircraft’s records indicated that there had been no previous abnormal oil consumption or mechanical issues related to the engine.

While the emergency landing was a precautionary measure, it caused significant disruption to the passengers’ travel plans. Air India assured passengers that alternative arrangements were being made to get them to their final destination. Although the airline’s swift response ensured the safety of all those on board, the situation raised questions about the cause of the technical issue and the steps taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Boeing 777-300ER, a long-haul aircraft that is often used for international flights, had been airborne for nearly an hour before the crew made the decision to return to Delhi. This aircraft is part of Air India’s fleet that operates both domestic and international routes. The flight was scheduled to depart from Delhi and reach Mumbai, but due to the technical issue, passengers had to disembark in Delhi before being provided with alternative travel arrangements.

Air India, in its statement, expressed its regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unexpected technical issue. The airline emphasized that safety is always the top priority, and the decision to return to Delhi was made in accordance with safety protocols. The airline assured passengers that the Boeing 777-300ER would undergo a thorough inspection to identify and resolve the problem, and corrective actions would be taken to prevent any future occurrences.

For aviation authorities, the incident served as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and the rigorous checks that are required for all aircraft. The DGCA, along with Air India, began an investigation into the cause of the engine oil pressure problem. The investigation will look into factors such as the oil pressure failure, the timing of the issue, and whether any mechanical issues had been overlooked during prior maintenance checks. The source from the DGCA confirmed that the aircraft’s past records showed no abnormal patterns in oil consumption, suggesting that the issue was isolated to this particular flight.

Despite the inconvenience for passengers, the quick response from the crew and the airline staff demonstrated Air India’s commitment to safety. Making the decision to return to Delhi rather than continue with the flight to Mumbai was a precautionary step taken to ensure the well-being of everyone on board. Aviation experts often emphasize the critical role that flight crews play in responding to technical issues, as their swift actions can prevent potentially hazardous situations from escalating.

Following the emergency landing, Air India worked swiftly to accommodate affected passengers. The airline arranged for alternative flights to ensure that those traveling to Mumbai could reach their destination as soon as possible. While such disruptions can be frustrating for travelers, the airline’s transparency and proactive communication helped minimize the impact of the incident. Passengers were kept informed about the status of their flight and offered assistance where needed.

In addition to the immediate actions taken to ensure the safety of the passengers, Air India also undertook additional measures to inspect and repair the aircraft. The Boeing 777-300ER was taken out of service for inspection, and engineers and technicians began working to identify the root cause of the oil pressure issue. Given the aircraft’s large size and its importance to Air India’s long-haul fleet, the airline was determined to resolve the issue promptly so that the plane could return to service.

For travelers, the incident highlighted the importance of understanding the rigorous safety protocols that are in place to ensure their well-being during flights. While technical issues can occasionally arise, the procedures followed by the crew and the quick response of the airline ensured that passengers were never in any immediate danger. The emergency landing serves as an example of how the aviation industry prioritizes safety above all else, even when faced with unexpected challenges.

While the emergency landing of Air India’s Boeing 777-300ER caused a disruption to flight AI887, it ultimately underscored the airline’s commitment to passenger safety. The quick decision by the crew to return to Delhi, along with the airline’s efforts to accommodate passengers, ensured that the situation was handled in the best possible manner. The investigation into the engine oil pressure issue will provide valuable insights into how such incidents can be prevented in the future, and the ongoing maintenance and inspection of aircraft will continue to play a vital role in ensuring the safety of all passengers flying with Air India.