The aircraft, carrying around 335 passengers and crew, departed at 6:10 am. Within minutes, during flap retraction, the crew noticed low oil pressure in the No. 2 engine, which quickly fell to zero. Following standard procedure, pilots shut down the affected engine and flew back on the remaining one, landing safely at 6:52 am.
All passengers were re-accommodated on alternative flights, the airline confirmed.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) described the incident in a statement: "The flight crew observed low engine oil pressure on Engine No. 2. Shortly thereafter, the engine oil pressure dropped to zero." It added that the aircraft, registered VT-ALS, is under inspection and the matter will be probed by Air India's permanent investigation board under DGCA oversight.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has sought a detailed report from Air India and directed the regulator to investigate thoroughly. Officials also instructed the carrier to extend full assistance to affected passengers.
Sources familiar with the probe told PTI that preliminary checks of the aircraft's records revealed no prior unusual oil consumption patterns.
Zero oil pressure poses a severe risk, potentially causing rapid overheating and engine failure if ignored. However, twin-engine wide-body jets like the B777 are certified to fly and land safely on one engine, allowing crews time to return to base.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of Air India's maintenance practices following recent reports of operational lapses. No injuries were reported, and aviation authorities emphasised the crew's adherence to safety protocols averted any escalation.
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