New Delhi, 22 Dec

 A Mumbai-bound Air India Boeing 777 aircraft was forced to return to the national capital and make an emergency landing on Monday morning after its right engine was shut down mid-air, officials said.

The flight, AI887, carrying about 335 passengers, had taken off from Delhi around 6.30 am and remained airborne for nearly an hour before turning back. All passengers and crew disembarked safely after the aircraft landed in Delhi.

According to sources, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a probe into the incident, while the civil aviation ministry has sought a detailed report from the airline.

In a statement, Air India said the crew decided to return to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical issue, following standard operating procedures. The airline regretted the inconvenience caused and said alternative arrangements were made to fly passengers to Mumbai.

A DGCA official said the aircraft experienced an air turnback after the crew observed low oil pressure in the right-hand engine during flap retraction after take-off. “Shortly thereafter, the oil pressure dropped to zero. Following procedures, the crew shut down the engine and landed safely at Delhi,” the official said.

The aircraft is currently undergoing inspection and rectification. The incident will be investigated by the airline’s Permanent Investigation Board under the supervision of the DGCA’s Director of Air Safety (Northern Region), the official added.

The civil aviation ministry said it has taken note of the incident and directed Directorate General of Civil Aviation to conduct a thorough investigation. The airline has also been asked to extend all assistance to affected passengers and accommodate them on subsequent flights.

Flight tracking data showed that the aircraft involved was a Boeing 777-300ER and had remained airborne for nearly an hour before returning to Delhi.