Zero Oil Pressure In Engine Forced Air India Mumbai-Bound Flight To Take Mid-Air Turnback: Officials

Last Updated:December 22, 2025, 20:40 IST

The aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, and all passengers and crew were reported safe.

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An Air India flight from Delhi to Mumbai was forced to turn back shortly after take-off on Monday morning after the crew detected zero oil pressure in one of the aircraft’s engines.

The aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, and all passengers and crew were reported safe.

Flight AI887 had departed from Delhi when, during flap retraction, the cockpit crew noticed low oil pressure in engine number two, located on the right side of the aircraft.

According to an official familiar with the incident, the oil pressure soon dropped to zero. Following standard operating procedures, the pilots shut down the affected engine and requested a return to Delhi from air traffic control.

After receiving clearance, the aircraft landed safely and passengers disembarked without incident. “All passengers were safe after landing," the official said, adding that no injuries were reported.

The aircraft has been grounded for inspection, and corrective action is currently underway.

Another official said the incident will be examined by Air India’s permanent investigation board under the supervision of the Director of Air Safety (North Region) of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

In a statement, Air India said the decision to return was taken as a precaution after a technical issue was detected shortly after take-off.

“The aircraft landed safely in Delhi and all passengers and crew have disembarked. We regret the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen situation. The aircraft is undergoing necessary checks, and alternative arrangements have been made to fly passengers to their destination at the earliest," an airline spokesperson said, adding that passenger and crew safety remains the airline’s top priority.

The incident comes less than six months after a fatal Air India crash in June that claimed more than 260 lives following a loss of engine power shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, drawing renewed attention to operational safety.

Aviation experts described the incident as serious, noting that a loss of oil pressure can lead to engine seizure and potential failure.

“When oil pressure drops, lubrication to critical components such as bearings and the turbine shaft stops, leading to rapid seizure and loss of thrust. In some cases, this can also trigger engine fires, which is why pilots shut down the affected engine as a precaution. This warrants a detailed investigation," said Mark D Martin, CEO of Martin Consulting.

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