Air India Addresses Fuel Switch Issue in Boeing 787 After Mid-Flight Incident
Air India has responded to concerns regarding a fuel switch malfunction in its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner following an incident during flight AI-132 from London to Bengaluru. The DGCA's investigation revealed no abnormalities in engine parameters, but noted that external force could have caused the switch to malfunction. This incident raises important safety considerations, especially in light of previous accidents involving similar aircraft. Air India is taking steps to ensure the safety of its fleet and has advised its crew on proper handling of the fuel switches. Read on for more details about the investigation and its implications for aviation safety.
Feb 3, 2026, 20:05 IST
Air India Responds to Regulatory Concerns
Air India has clarified that there is no fault in the fuel switch of the grounded Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, following a report from the aviation regulator (DGCA) regarding a malfunction during flight AI-132 from London to Bengaluru. Although the DGCA did not specify the exact reason for grounding the aircraft, it suggested that external force applied in the wrong direction may have caused the switch to move from "run" to "cutoff" mode.
Details of Flight AI-132 Incident
What Happened on Flight AI-132?
The incident occurred on February 1, prior to the flight's departure from Heathrow Airport in London to Bengaluru. According to a press release from the Safety Matters Foundation, which gained traction on social media, the Air India crew reported unusual behavior in the fuel control switch of the left engine. The statement indicated that during the pre-flight check, the switch failed to lock in the "run" position after two attempts and instead moved towards "cutoff." These switches are crucial as they regulate the fuel flow to the aircraft's engines, and such a malfunction could potentially lead to engine shutdown during flight. After landing in Bengaluru, the aircraft was grounded. This incident comes in the wake of an investigation into fuel control switches on Boeing 787s following a tragic accident involving Air India (AI 171) in Ahmedabad last June, which resulted in the loss of 269 lives.
DGCA Findings on the Investigation
What Did the DGCA Discover?
The DGCA stated in a report that no abnormalities were observed in any engine parameters during engine startup or flight. Air India's engineering team also inspected the fuel control switches. According to the DGCA's statement, both the left and right switches were examined and found to be satisfactory. The locking mechanism was securely in place, and the switch did not slip from run to cutoff. Even when force was applied parallel to the base plate, the switch remained secure. The statement further noted that the switch could easily transition from run to cutoff if external force was applied incorrectly, as the angular base plate could slip when pressed improperly with a finger or thumb. The DGCA informed Air India's crew about this observation and advised them to avoid unnecessary contact with the switch.