Air India grounds 787 Dreamliner after fuel switch issue on London-Bengaluru flight
Air India grounds 787 Dreamliner after fuel switch issue on London-Bengaluru flight
Air India grounds a Boeing 787-8 after crew report of an abnormal fuel control switch post-landing on AI132 from London to Bengaluru; regulators and Boeing probing amid safety concerns.
Air India has grounded one of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners after the crew operating flight AI132 from London Heathrow to Bengaluru reported a problem with the locking mechanism of the left fuel control switch after landing. The timing of the incident places the aircraft VT-ANX under review as Boeing says it is in contact with Air India and supporting their assessment. The crew observed the switch’s behavior after touchdown, and airline officials say the issue is being investigated with manufacturer involvement and regulatory oversight.
The timing aligns with ongoing scrutiny of fuel control systems following a 2025 crash linked to a similar malfunction, where a switch movement from RUN toward CUTOFF contributed to engine trouble. Safety authorities have stressed that the exact cause of the recent observation remains to be determined, with investigators considering mechanical faults or other contributing factors. The left fuel control switch reportedly failed to remain locked in RUN on more than one attempt, raising the possibility of an inadvertent engine shutdown under certain conditions.
Air India released a statement noting the pilot reported a possible defect and that, after initial information, the airline grounded the aircraft as part of precautionary safety measures. Regulators are involved in reviewing the incident, and the manufacturer has pledged cooperation as the investigation unfolds. The broader concern centers on whether such switch malfunctions could recur and how quickly repairs or design adjustments can be implemented to prevent in-flight issues.
While the flight operated without passengers reporting injuries, the grounding underscores the aviation industry’s vigilance over fuel control systems and the potential consequences of a switch that does not lock properly. Authorities and the airline emphasize that safety remains the top priority as they work through technical assessments and confirm any necessary fixes for the fleet.
