On September 7, 2026, details emerged regarding a technical incident involving Air India Express flight IX415, operating from Kochi to Abu Dhabi.
- Flight IX415 turned back to Kochi after a rapid drop in oil quantity in Engine 1 at 36,000 feet.
- The aircraft landed safely on a single engine in Kochi with zero injuries reported.
- Air India Express clarified that the incident happened about one week prior and passengers continued their journey on another plane.
The flight, operated by a Boeing 737, was forced to return to Cochin International Airport after the flight crew observed a rapid decrease in oil quantity in Engine 1 while cruising at an altitude of approximately 36,000 feet, roughly 50 minutes after departure. Upon noticing the drop in levels, the pilots made a structured assessment and decided to turn back to Kochi rather than proceed to the Abu Dhabi sector.
Approximately 45 minutes into the return journey, the oil pressure in Engine 1 reached the danger or red range, prompting the crew to shut down the engine in accordance with non-normal procedures. The aircraft landed safely in Kochi on a single engine, with no injuries reported among the passengers or crew.
Air India Express clarified on Monday that the incident occurred approximately one week prior, contradicting suggestions that it was a fresh emergency. The airline stated that the flight performed an air turnback in accordance with established safety protocols and that all passengers were subsequently transported to Abu Dhabi on an alternative aircraft. The airline did not disclose the total number of passengers on board. Air India Express emphasized that presenting the older event without a correct timeline causes unnecessary concern, noting that the Kochi–Abu Dhabi route continues to operate normal.
