Air India flight AI887, operating from Delhi to Mumbai on Monday, was forced to return to the national capital shortly after take-off following a technical issue, a spokesperson for the airline said.
The
aircraft landed safely at Delhi, and all passengers and crew disembarked. However, the Ministry of Civil Aviation sought a report on the incident later.
Confirming the incident, an Air India spokesperson said the decision to turn back was taken in accordance with standard operating procedures.
“The crew operating flight AI887 from Delhi to Mumbai on 22 December decided to return to Delhi shortly after take-off due to a technical issue as per standard operating procedure,” the spokesperson said.
“The aircraft landed safely at Delhi, and the passengers and crew have disembarked,” they added.
The airline expressed regret over the disruption caused to passengers.
“Air India sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen situation. The aircraft is undergoing the necessary checks,” the spokesperson added.
The airline also said its ground team in Delhi was providing immediate assistance to affected passengers and that alternative arrangements had been made to fly them to Mumbai shortly.
According to what sources told CNN-News18, the aircraft developed an engine-related problem, which prompted the crew to abort the onward journey and return to Delhi as a precautionary measure.
The exact number of passengers on the flight was not immediately known.
Later, the Ministry of Civil Aviation acknowledged the incident and said it sought a detailed report from Air India, while directing the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to conduct a probe.
“The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken note of the Air India flight AI-887 incident involving a technical issue shortly after take-off. The aircraft landed safely. The Ministry has sought a detailed report from Air India, and DGCA has been directed to conduct a thorough investigation,” the Ministry mentioned in an X post.
“The airline has been directed to extend all assistance to passengers and accommodate them on subsequent flights. Passenger safety remains paramount,” it added.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken note of the Air India flight AI-887 incident involving a technical issue shortly after take-off. The aircraft landed safely. The Ministry has sought a detailed report from Air India, and DGCA has been directed to conduct a thorough…
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) December 22, 2025
Meanwhile, multiple flights at the Delhi airport were affected on Monday due to dense fog and smog in the national capital.
Though the number of flights impacted was not known, the Delhi airport, in multiple advisories, stated that low-visibility procedures were in progress.
The airport authorities also advised the passengers to contact their respective airlines for real-time information on their flight schedule.
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