An Air India Express flight from Kochi to Abu Dhabi made an emergency return and landing after a technical issue was detected mid-air, according to reports.
About 50 minutes after take-off, while cruising at around 36,000 feet, pilots noticed a problem in the aircraft’s first engine. The engine’s oil level and pressure reportedly fell rapidly and entered a dangerous range.
Assessing the situation, the crew cancelled the onward journey to Abu Dhabi and decided to head back to Kochi. As a precaution, the affected engine was shut down while the aircraft was still airborne.
The pilot alerted air traffic control and emergency landing procedures were initiated at the airport. The Boeing 737 landed safely in Kochi with no injuries reported, and the airline said alternate arrangements were provided for all passengers. The airline has not officially disclosed the number of passengers and crew on board.
