Air India Grounds Boeing Dreamliner After Pilot Flags Possible Fuel Control Switch Defect

By [Your Name]
Bengaluru, India — February 3, 2026
Air India has temporarily grounded a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner after one of its pilots reported a potential defect with a fuel control switch, a critical component used to regulate engine fuel flow. The precautionary measure comes amid heightened safety scrutiny following last year’s deadly Air India Dreamliner crash, which killed 260 people.
The incident occurred when Flight AI132, traveling from London Heathrow to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, completed its journey without incident. However, during post-flight checks, pilots noticed irregular behavior in the aircraft’s left engine fuel control switch, prompting immediate reporting to Air India’s engineering team.
“Safety is our top priority. The aircraft has been grounded as a precaution, and a full inspection of the fuel control system is underway,” said a senior Air India spokesperson.
Grounding Triggered by Switch Anomaly
Airline sources revealed that the left engine fuel control switch did not remain securely in the ‘RUN’ position during repeated checks, slipping toward ‘CUTOFF’ without deliberate pilot action. Although the plane was safely on the ground, the airline deemed it necessary to remove it from service immediately.
Fuel control switches are essential cockpit components, allowing pilots to start or shut down engines and, in certain emergencies, manually stop an engine during flight. The Boeing 787 design includes a spring-loaded latch to prevent accidental movement; the switch must be lifted deliberately before being moved from RUN to CUTOFF.
“Even minor anomalies with fuel control switches can have serious consequences, which is why Air India is taking this report extremely seriously,” said an aviation safety expert.
Precautionary Measures Across Fleet
Following the pilot report, Air India has initiated a fleet-wide inspection of all 787 Dreamliners to check the fuel control switches. A memo sent to pilots and engineers instructed careful verification of latch mechanisms and immediate reporting of any issues. So far, no anomalies have been found on other aircraft already inspected.
Air India operates 33 Boeing 787 aircraft, including 787‑8 and 787‑9 models. The airline’s swift action reflects its commitment to high safety standards and proactive risk management.
“We are working closely with Boeing and the DGCA to ensure this is a precautionary measure, and not indicative of a larger fleet-wide problem,” an Air India official said.
Context: Connection to 2025 Crash
The timing of this grounding has raised concern because of the June 12, 2025 Air India Flight AI171 crash. Investigators found that both engine fuel control switches moved from RUN to CUTOFF seconds after takeoff, causing a total loss of engine thrust. While the current report does not establish a mechanical defect as the cause, the similarity has reignited questions about switch reliability.
Boeing previously faced scrutiny over fuel control switches after the 2018 FAA advisory highlighted potential issues with latch mechanisms. The advisory noted that improper installation could lead to disengagement, though it was not a mandatory directive.
“Aircraft safety systems are designed with multiple redundancies. Any anomaly, no matter how minor, triggers thorough investigation,” said a former DGCA official.
Industry and Regulatory Implications
Experts emphasize that fuel control switches are normally highly reliable and designed to prevent unintentional operation. Still, a switch that slips unintentionally could allow fuel interruption at critical moments, which is why regulators and airlines respond quickly to reports like this.
Boeing has confirmed it is assisting Air India in reviewing the issue. At present, no broader grounding of 787 fleets worldwide has been announced.
“This is a precautionary measure, reflecting both safety and public confidence priorities. Airlines worldwide monitor even minor anomalies closely,” said an aviation consultant.
What Comes Next
The aircraft will remain grounded until detailed inspections are completed. Aviation authorities, including India’s DGCA, will monitor findings before determining whether further regulatory action is required. The results could inform updates to maintenance protocols and cockpit procedures.
For passengers and industry watchers, the incident underscores that even routine cockpit controls are under constant vigilance. Airlines like Air India continue to prioritize safety, demonstrating that precautionary measures — even if inconvenient — are crucial for preventing accidents.
“This shows that safety is never compromised, even for routine flights,” concluded the Air India spokesperson.