London – The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has requested a detailed explanation from Air India regarding a Boeing 787 Dreamliner that flew from London with a potential fuel control switch defect. The aircraft was later grounded upon arrival in India for safety checks.
The issue was initially reported by an Air India pilot on February 2, 2026, after completing Flight AI132 from London to Bengaluru. The pilot flagged a potential problem with the fuel control switch on the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Following the report, Air India grounded the plane and initiated safety inspections.
According to India's civil aviation watchdog, the issue first arose during engine start procedures in London. The flight crew noticed the fuel control switch failed to remain locked in the "run" position on two occasions. The switch appeared stable on the third attempt, and the crew proceeded with the flight.
In a letter to Air India dated Tuesday, the UK CAA warned that the airline could face regulatory action if it does not provide a full explanation within seven days. The CAA has requested a detailed account of all maintenance work carried out on the aircraft before it was cleared for the flight to Bengaluru, seeking to understand how Air India ensured the aircraft's airworthiness. The regulator is also seeking a comprehensive root-cause analysis of the incident and a preventive action plan to avoid similar occurrences across Air India's Boeing 787 fleet. The letter, which was not made public, also warned that incomplete or delayed responses could lead to enforcement measures affecting parts of Air India's fleet.
Air India stated that it had re-inspected the switches as a precaution and found no defects. The airline has said it will respond to the British regulator accordingly. The CAA has stated that such requests are part of routine safety oversight following aircraft incidents.
Following the incident, Air India conducted inspections of the fuel control switches on all of its Boeing 787 aircraft and found no issues. The airline reiterated that passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority and will implement OEM-recommended operating procedures for the fuel control switch across its flight crews.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India stated that the fuel control switch issue was not due to a mechanical fault but was linked to incorrect handling of the switch. The DGCA noted that when external force was applied in an incorrect direction, the switch could move from "RUN" to "CUTOFF" more easily due to the angular design of the switch base plate, but this did not indicate a defect. The regulator is advising Air India to circulate recommended Boeing procedures for operating fuel cut-off switches on the 787.
Fuel switches regulate the flow of jet fuel into a plane's engines. According to Flightradar24, Air India has 33 Boeing 787s.