Air India grounds Boeing 787-8 after pilot reports critical fuel control switch defect.
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Air India grounded a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on Monday after a pilot reported a possible defect with the aircraft's fuel control switch, triggering immediate safety protocols.
Key Takeaways
- •Air India grounded a Boeing 787-8 on February 2, 2026, after a pilot reported a defect with the left engine fuel control switch.
- •The switch reportedly failed to lock in the 'RUN' position, moving toward 'CUTOFF,' a critical issue that could risk an unintended engine shutdown.
- •The incident is under intense scrutiny as it follows a fatal Air India 787 crash in June 2025, where fuel cutoff was a factor in the preliminary probe.
- •The grounding occurred despite Air India having conducted prior fleet-wide checks on the fuel control switches following a DGCA directive.
The Tata Group-owned airline, Air India, grounded one of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft on Monday, February 2, 2026. This action followed a pilot's report. The pilot flagged a possible defect with the fuel control switch. The airline immediately took the aircraft out of service. This was a necessary commercial aviation safety protocol.
Air India notified the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline also involved the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). This OEM is Boeing, the maker of the 787-8. They will examine the pilot’s concerns on a priority basis.
The Reported Technical Issue
The grounded aircraft was operating Flight AI132. This flight was a long-haul route. It traveled from London Heathrow to Bengaluru. The pilot reported abnormal behavior. The left engine fuel control switch was the focus.
Sources indicate the switch failed to lock. It failed to stay in the ‘RUN’ position. It moved toward the ‘CUTOFF’ position twice. This malfunction is a serious 787-8 fuel control switch defect. Such a failure could risk an unintended engine shutdown. This is especially true under specific flight conditions.
Heightened Safety Scrutiny
This incident carries significant weight. It occurs amid a major ongoing investigation. The investigation relates to a fatal Air India crash. Air India Flight AI171 crashed in June 2025. The preliminary probe report mentioned a fuel supply cutoff. This cutoff happened moments after the aircraft’s lift-off. The investigation is highly focused on the engine fuel control switches.
Air India’s response highlighted a key detail. The airline had already conducted fleet-wide inspections. These checks were on all its Boeing 787 aircraft. They followed a recent DGCA regulatory action directive. The airline stated that no issues were found then. This new defect raises questions about the thoroughness of prior Boeing 787 maintenance checks.
Industry and Regulatory Response
The Air India maintenance action is precautionary. It prioritizes the safety of passengers and crew. The DGCA has initiated a review. It seeks detailed information from the airline. Boeing has confirmed its support. They are assisting with the technical review.
Historically, similar concerns have arisen. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a bulletin in 2018. This bulletin warned about switch locking mechanisms. It applied to certain Boeing aircraft, including the 787. The swift grounding by the Tata Group-owned airline demonstrates a commitment to safety. It ensures transparent safety oversight.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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