Air India Express flight IX 415 departed from Cochin International Airport for Abu Dhabi on Monday.
About 50 minutes into the flight, while cruising at approximately 36,000 feet, the pilots noticed that the oil quantity in Engine 1 was falling rapidly.
The crew assessed the situation using the FORDEC decision-making process before deciding to discontinue the Abu Dhabi journey and return to Kochi.
Engine Shut Down After Pressure Enters Danger Zone
The situation became more serious as the flight continued back toward Kochi.
According to reports, Engine 1's oil pressure began fluctuating and eventually entered the danger zone on the cockpit indication. The crew then followed the applicable non-normal procedures and shut down the affected engine.
The pilots continued monitoring the aircraft's systems and prepared for the landing while operating with one engine.
Safe Landing in Kochi
Despite the technical issue, the Boeing 737 returned safely to Cochin International Airport.
Reports said there were no immediate reports of injuries among passengers or crew. The exact cause of the rapid oil loss has not yet been established publicly, and further technical inspection of the aircraft is expected.
Crew's Precautionary Decision
The incident highlights the importance of early intervention when critical engine parameters show abnormal changes.
After detecting the rapidly falling oil quantity, the pilots decided not to continue toward Abu Dhabi and instead return to their departure airport. The decision allowed the crew to deal with the engine issue closer to a suitable airport rather than continuing over a longer international sector.
Investigation and Maintenance Checks
The affected Boeing 737 is expected to undergo detailed maintenance inspections to determine why Engine 1 lost oil quantity and why its oil pressure subsequently entered the danger range.
As of the latest reports, an official detailed explanation from Air India Express or the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had not been reported.
