New Delhi: A Mumbai-bound Air India Boeing 777 aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at New Delhi airport on Monday after one of its engines shut down mid-air, officials said. The aircraft returned safely to the capital less than an hour after departure, and all passengers and crew disembarked without any injuries.
The wide-body aircraft was carrying around 335 passengers at the time of the incident. According to officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the flight crew detected a technical issue involving the aircraft’s right engine shortly after take-off.
DGCA officials said that during flap retraction — a standard phase following take-off — the pilots observed a drop in engine oil pressure. Soon after, the oil pressure reportedly fell to zero, indicating a serious technical malfunction. Following established aviation safety procedures, the flight crew shut down the affected engine while the aircraft was still airborne.
After assessing the situation, the pilots decided to discontinue the onward journey and return to New Delhi. The aircraft landed safely, and emergency protocols were activated on the ground as a precaution. Airport authorities ensured that medical and fire services were on standby, though their assistance was ultimately not required.
All passengers and crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft after landing. Officials confirmed that there were no reports of injuries or medical emergencies resulting from the incident. Passengers were later assisted by the airline, though details regarding alternative travel arrangements were not immediately disclosed.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has sought a detailed report from Air India regarding the engine failure and the circumstances leading to the emergency landing. The DGCA has also ordered a formal investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the technical malfunction.
According to officials, the inquiry will be conducted by Air India’s permanent investigation board under the supervision of the Director of Air Safety (North Region). The investigation will examine aircraft maintenance records, flight data, and crew actions to assess compliance with safety protocols and identify any underlying technical issues.
Aviation authorities said that shutting down an engine in response to abnormal indications is a standard safety measure and that the crew followed established procedures. They added that modern commercial aircraft are designed to operate safely even with one engine inoperative, allowing pilots to land without compromising passenger safety.
The incident has drawn attention to aircraft maintenance and safety oversight, particularly involving long-haul wide-body aircraft. Officials said further action, if any, would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Air India has not issued a detailed public statement beyond confirming that the aircraft returned safely and that passenger safety was not compromised. The airline is expected to cooperate fully with aviation regulators during the probe.
The DGCA said updates would be provided once the investigation progresses and additional information becomes available.
