DGCA to Investigate Engine Shutdown on Air India Delhi–Mumbai Flight

New Delhi, Dec 2025 : The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a probe into an engine shutdown incident involving an Air India flight operating between Delhi and Mumbai. The decision to investigate came after the aircraft was forced to return to Delhi shortly after take-off on Monday morning due to a technical malfunction.

The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, operating as flight AIC 887, reported a major issue soon after departure. According to the DGCA, the flight crew detected low oil pressure in Engine No. 2 during flap retraction. The situation escalated when the engine oil pressure dropped to zero, prompting the crew to follow standard safety procedures and shut down the affected engine.

With one engine disabled, the aircraft made a safe return to Delhi, and no injuries were reported. The regulator confirmed that inspection and rectification work on the aircraft is currently underway.

“The incident will be investigated by the Permanent Investigation Board of the airline, under the supervision of the Director Air Safety (NR), DGCA,” the aviation body said, adding that more details will be shared after assessment.

Air India stated that passengers are being fully assisted and that alternative arrangements have been made to ensure they reach Mumbai at the earliest. The airline has assured that the affected customers are receiving required support.

The incident comes at a time when India’s aviation sector is preparing for the fog season — a period marked by operational challenges due to low visibility. Anticipating the disruptions, Air India recently announced several contingency measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers. These include rostering CAT III B certified crew, deploying aircraft equipped to operate in low visibility, ensuring airport readiness, and enhancing technology-led passenger assistance.

CAT III B-certified pilots and aircraft are trained and technically equipped to land safely even when visibility is extremely low — a crucial capability during peak winter fog.

To further support passengers, Air India has activated its ‘Fog Care’ programme. Under this initiative, flights likely to face delays or scheduling changes due to fog are identified in advance, based on weather forecasts. Passengers are then alerted proactively to help them plan better and avoid inconvenience.

The DGCA has officially designated December 10, 2025, to February 10, 2026, as the fog period for aviation operations. With dense fog expected to disrupt schedules in major northern airports, particularly Delhi, airlines are stepping up preparedness to ensure safety and service continuity.

Monday’s engine shutdown incident has drawn attention to the safety protocols in place and the regulatory oversight governing Indian aviation. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on ensuring the highest standards of safety for passengers and crew.

Team Maverick