Air India Delhi–Mumbai flight returns to Delhi after technical issue

New Delhi: An Air India flight bound for Mumbai returned to Delhi shortly after take-off on Monday after the crew detected a technical issue, Air India spokesperson said.

On Monday, pilots observed a low engine oil pressure on the B777-300ER aircraft's ‍right-hand engine during flaps retraction after take-off. The pressure shortly thereafter dropped to zero and the crew shut ‍down the engine ⁠and turned back ⁠as per procedure, the DGCA said.

The engine oil pressure subsequently dropped to zero, and an inspection is currently underway. A review of previous records did not indicate any abnormality in oil consumption, Air India said in the statement.


Air India said the decision to return to the origin airport was taken in line with standard operating procedures. The aircraft landed safely in Delhi, and all passengers and crew disembarked normally.

The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft took off around 6.30 am. The flight, operated using a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, was airborne for about an hour, according to flight tracking website Flightradar24.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation took note of the incident and sought a detailed report from Air India. The DGCA has been directed to conduct a thorough investigation. No injuries were reported.

"Air India sincerely regrets inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen situation. The aircraft is undergoing the necessary checks," an Air India spokesperson said in a statement. The aircraft is 15 years old and has flown to locations such as Vienna, Vancouver and Chicago, according to Flightradar24. Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the incident.

According to the airline, the aircraft is undergoing necessary checks and alternative arrangements have been made to fly passengers to their destination.

Last week, a similar incident was reported when a Visakhapatnam-bound Air India Express flight was cancelled at Vijayawada’s Gannavaram Airport after pilots detected an engine-related technical snag while taxiing.

The aircraft returned to the bay before departure, and the flight was subsequently called off, with passengers offered hotel accommodation, refunds or complimentary rescheduling. Several high-profile passengers, including former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, were among those onboard.

With inputs from PTI and Reuters