Air India Express returns to Kochi after engine issue

An Air India Express flight bound for Abu Dhabi made an emergency return to Kochi on Sunday, September 6, 2026, after the crew detected a critical issue with one of its engines. The Boeing 737, operating as flight IX 415, was approximately 50 minutes into its journey and cruising at 36,000 feet when pilots observed a rapid decline in the oil quantity of Engine 1. As the oil level continued to drop, the flight crew initiated a FORDEC risk assessment, a structured decision-making process. Following this assessment, they decided to abort the flight to Abu Dhabi and return to Cochin International Airport. The commander informed air traffic control of the diversion while standard safety procedures were enacted. During the return leg, approximately 45 minutes after the decision to turn back, Engine 1's oil pressure began to fluctuate and entered the danger zone indicated on the cockpit gauges. The pilots then followed the aircraft's Non-Normal Checklist and proceeded to shut down the affected engine. The Boeing 737 continued its flight to Kochi on its single remaining engine and landed safely at Cochin International Airport.