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India Orders Inspection of Boeing Aircraft Fuel Switches Following Air India Incident

In response to a devastating Air India crash that resulted in 260 fatalities, India's aviation authority has mandated inspections of fuel switches on Boeing aircraft models. The directive, issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), requires airlines to complete these inspections by July 21. The preliminary report indicated that the fuel switches were turned off just seconds after takeoff, raising significant safety concerns. The DGCA's order emphasizes the importance of adhering to safety protocols to prevent future incidents. Read on to learn more about the implications of this directive and the ongoing safety measures in the aviation industry.
By Narendra Chaudhary | Jul 14, 2025, 19:31 IST
India Orders Inspection of Boeing Aircraft Fuel Switches Following Air India Incident

Mandatory Inspections for Boeing Aircraft

On Monday, India's aviation regulator mandated all airlines in the country to inspect fuel switches on Boeing aircraft models, including the 787, 747, and 737, by July 21. This directive from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) follows a preliminary report on the Air India plane crash that occurred on June 12, which resulted in the tragic loss of 260 lives.


 


Read More: Air India CEO Urges Caution on Preliminary Report Findings




The report revealed that the switches controlling fuel supply to the aircraft's engines were turned off within a second of takeoff, which was identified as a significant factor contributing to the disaster. This information was highlighted in a special flight safety bulletin issued by the Safety Authority, although it did not indicate that this issue posed a safety concern. The DGCA noted that it has come to its attention that several international and domestic operators have begun inspecting their fleets in accordance with the FAA's safety bulletin.


 


Read More: Air India Crash Report: Boeing Instructed Changes to Fuel Switch Module




The DGCA has made it mandatory for all Indian operators of the affected aircraft to conduct inspections as per the FAA's special flight safety bulletin (SAIB) NM-18-33 issued on December 17, 2018. This bulletin highlights the risk of malfunction in the locking mechanism of fuel control switches across various Boeing aircraft models. According to the DGCA's directive, "All airline operators of the affected aircraft are advised to complete the necessary inspections under SAIB number: NM-18-33 by July 21, 2025."


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