The aircraft remained airborne for more than 40 minutes before making the emergency return.
The Mumbai-bound flight AI 887 departed from Delhi at 6:10 am but was forced to turn back, landing safely at 6:52 am after the right engine was shut down as a precautionary measure.
In a statement quoted by the media, an Air India spokesperson said: “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, in line with standard operating procedures.”
“The aircraft landed safely in Delhi and the passengers and crew have disembarked. Air India sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused due to this unforeseen situation,” the spokesperson added.
The airline said alternative arrangements have been made for passengers to continue their journey.
“Our ground team in Delhi is providing immediate assistance to passengers, and alternative arrangements have been made to fly them to their destination shortly. At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remain our top priority,” the airline said.