UK Regulator Demands Answers on Air India Dreamliner's Faulty Fuel Switch Departure
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UK CAA formally demanded Air India explain why a Boeing 787-8 with a reported faulty fuel control switch departed London, warning of fleet regulatory action.
Key Takeaways
- •UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued a formal demand to Air India on February 3, 2026, regarding a Boeing 787-8 (VT-ANX) flight.
- •The concern is the aircraft's departure from London Heathrow (LHR) despite a reported anomaly with a critical Fuel Control Switch (FCS) during pre-flight checks.
- •The CAA requires a comprehensive root-cause analysis and preventive action plan, warning of potential regulatory action against Air India's entire 787 fleet within one week.
- •The incident is under heightened scrutiny due to the FCS component's reported role in a previous fatal Air India Dreamliner crash.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has formally requested an explanation from Air India regarding a recent operational incident involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. The request centers on why the widebody aircraft was cleared for departure from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) despite a reported issue with a critical fuel system component.
Air India flight AI132, destined for Bengaluru, operated on February 1, 2026. During pre-flight checks, pilots noted irregular behavior with a Fuel Control Switch (FCS). The switch is vital for regulating fuel flow to the engines.
The Incident and Regulatory Concern
Reports indicate that the FCS did not latch correctly. It failed to stay in the “RUN” position on the first two attempts during engine start. The switch reportedly stabilized only on the third attempt. Despite this anomaly, the aircraft was allowed to depart London.
The crew filed a defect report upon landing in Bengaluru. Following this report, the aircraft was immediately grounded in India for technical inspection. The UK CAA issued its formal request to Air India on February 3, 2026.
The CAA expressed serious concern over the decision to fly. The regulator is seeking a detailed account of the pre-flight maintenance actions. They also want to know the safety assessments used to clear the aircraft for its release to service.
Potential Regulatory Action and Safety Context
The UK regulator has warned of potential regulatory action against Air India. This action could affect the airline's entire fleet of Boeing 787 aircraft. The CAA demanded a complete response within one week.
This incident is under heightened international scrutiny. Fuel switches were cited as a factor in a previous fatal Air India Dreamliner crash. That accident occurred in Gujarat in the preceding year. This history makes any similar defect report a major safety concern.
Fuel control switches are a key component in the cockpit. They allow flight crew to manage engine fuel supply. Any defect can have serious implications for engine control.
Air India and DGCA Response
Air India has confirmed that it conducted precautionary re-inspections. These checks covered the Fuel Control Switches across its operational Boeing 787 fleet. The airline stated that no issues were identified during these fleet-wide checks. Air India noted the inspections were done “in an abundance of caution.”
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), also conducted oversight. The DGCA reportedly cleared the grounded aircraft after its own inspections. Air India has committed to fully adhering to the DGCA's guidance. This includes circulating OEM-recommended operating procedures to all crew members.
The UK CAA, however, remains unsatisfied with the initial course of action. They are demanding a comprehensive root-cause analysis of the event. The regulator also requires a preventive action plan. This plan must address how similar issues will be avoided across Air India’s fleet.
- The UK CAA seeks a detailed account of all maintenance actions performed.
- Failure to respond fully could trigger regulatory action against the airline's Boeing 787 fleet.
- The incident highlights the critical importance of strict adherence to Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and maintenance protocols.
- Air India operates a fleet of 33 Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
This regulatory push underscores the international nature of aviation safety. Regulators will seek assurances on maintenance and operational standards. The safety of Dreamliner operations is a key priority globally. The airline must demonstrate full compliance to maintain international flight permissions.
For global airline trends and commercial aviation news, turn to flying.flights. Get the latest updates on major hubs, regional terminals, and airport operations via the Airports section at flying.flights/airports.
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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