Technical snag forces Air India Flight AI887 Back to Delhi, ensuring passengers safety
Delhi, December 22
An Air India flight bound for Mumbai was forced to return to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport shortly after departure on Sunday. Pilots of flight AI887 opted to turn back as a precaution after detecting a technical glitch mid-air.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has noted the Air India flight AI-887 incident, which involved a technical issue shortly after take-off, and that 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 airline has been directed to extend all assistance to passengers and accommodate them on subsequent flights.
Earlier this month, IndiGo has overtaken Air India and Air India Express in international passenger traffic during the July-September 2025 quarter, according to official data by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Data for the quarter shows IndiGo carried a total of 41.36 lakh international passengers, with 19.88 lakh passengers arriving in India and 21.47 lakh departing from the country.
By comparison, Air India carried 11.79 lakh passengers to India and 11.97 lakh from India, while Air India Express recorded 8.08 lakh arrivals and 9.13 lakh departures. Even when combined, the Air India group's international passenger volumes for the quarter fell short of IndiGo's standalone numbers.
This change occurred after Air India reduced its flights following a June plane crash. This reduction in flights created capacity that IndiGo quickly filled by increasing flights on key international routes.
The AI171 tragedy occurred on June 12, when the Air India flight crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, claiming 260 lives, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India later released the preliminary report into the tragic crash, outlining the harrowing sequence of events that unfolded within 90 seconds of takeoff. The report noted that both engines of the aircraft unexpectedly shut down during the initial climb, resulting in catastrophic loss of thrust and a rapid descent.
The crash remains one of the deadliest aviation accidents in India in recent history, leaving a profound impact on the victims' families and the aviation community.
Meanwhile, IndiGo, which recently experienced operational disruptions, is gradually stabilising, operating over 2,050 flights with minimal cancellations and maintaining connectivity across its network.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is concerning. Air India really needs to get its act together. After the tragic crash in June, every little incident shakes passenger confidence. IndiGo is overtaking them for a reason – reliability. Hope the investigation is thorough and corrective actions are taken.
The data comparison is stark. IndiGo carrying over 41 lakh international passengers while Air India group combined is less than that? Wow. Passengers are voting with their wallets. Air India needs more than just a brand refresh; it needs operational excellence.
As someone who flies frequently between Delhi and Mumbai for work, this is unsettling. I'm glad everyone is safe, but it makes you think twice about which airline to book. The precaution is good, but the frequency of such news is not.
Let's not jump to conclusions. Technical issues can happen to any airline, anywhere. The important thing is the protocol was followed and the plane landed safely. DGCA investigation will reveal more. We should support our national carrier as it works through its challenges.
My heart still aches for the families of the AI171 crash. Reading about another Air India issue so soon after is triggering. The aviation ministry must ensure the highest safety standards are non-negotiable. Passenger trust is very fragile.
M We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.