Key Points:
- Air India flight AI 887 departed Delhi for Mumbai at 8:32 AM IST on December 22
- Technical issue detected at 8,000 feet, pilots declared PAN-PAN and returned
- Aircraft landed safely at Delhi Airport at 9:18 AM with no injuries
- All 187 passengers and 8 crew members deplaned safely
- Air India has arranged alternative flights and complimentary meals
- The Airbus A320 has been grounded for detailed technical inspection by DGCA
Air India flight AI 887, scheduled to depart Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for Mumbai at 8:20 AM, encountered a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff on Monday morning. The Airbus A320, carrying 187 passengers and 8 crew members, had just reached 8,000 feet when the flight deck received a hydraulic pressure warning indicator. Captain Rajesh Sharma and First Officer Priya Malhotra immediately initiated standard operating procedures, declared a PAN-PAN urgency message to air traffic control, and requested an immediate return to Delhi.
The aircraft circled briefly over Noida to dump fuel and reduce landing weight before making a smooth landing on runway 28 at 9:18 AM. Emergency services were on standby but not required. Passengers reported a calm and professional response from the cabin crew throughout the 46-minute ordeal. The airline’s ground staff evacuated all passengers through normal exits within 15 minutes of landing, with no injuries reported.
Passenger Experience and Immediate Aftermath
Business traveler Ankit Verma, seated in 12C, described the moment the issue became apparent. “We felt a slight vibration, then the captain announced a technical problem and that we were returning to Delhi. The crew remained composed, which kept everyone calm.” Many passengers initially expressed concern on social media, posting photos of the aircraft on the tarmac surrounded by emergency vehicles.
Inside the terminal, Air India’s duty manager established a dedicated assistance desk by 9:45 AM. Passengers received refreshments and regular updates while the airline’s operations team worked on contingency plans. By 11:30 AM, the airline had confirmed two alternative arrangements, a special relief flight at 2:00 PM and seats on the regular 3:30 PM departure, with priority given to passengers with connecting flights.
Technical Investigation and Airline Response
The affected Airbus A320, registered VT-EXR and manufactured in 2018, has been withdrawn from service for a comprehensive technical inspection. Air India’s engineering team, led by Chief Technical Officer Arun Kumar, is investigating the hydraulic system anomaly. Preliminary reports suggest a potential sensor malfunction in the landing gear hydraulics, though a full investigation will take 24-48 hours.
Air India issued a formal statement at 10:15 AM, expressing regret for the inconvenience and emphasizing their commitment to safety. “The crew’s decision to return was purely precautionary and in line with our strict safety protocols. Passenger safety remains our absolute priority,” the statement read. The airline has also offered full refunds or rebooking options to affected passengers, plus meal vouchers and accommodation for those choosing later flights.
Regulatory Oversight and Aviation Safety Context
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified and will review the incident report, as mandated for all technical diversions. This follows a pattern of increased scrutiny on Indian carriers after recent technical incidents. Aviation safety experts note that hydraulic issues, while serious, are well-documented in the A320’s safety manuals and crew training programs.
Monday’s incident marks the third technical return for Air India this month, though the airline maintains this is within normal operational parameters for a fleet of its size. The quick resolution demonstrates effective crew resource management and the robustness of Delhi Airport’s emergency response systems. Passengers are now proceeding to Mumbai on alternative flights, with most expected to reach their destination by Monday evening, albeit with a delay of 5-7 hours.
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