B 787 Fuel Switch: AI Flight Flew After Physical Checks, No Abnormal Parameters Noticed: DGCA

PTI, New Delhi, February 03, 2026 : The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday clarified that Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which faced a fuel control switch glitch, took off from London on February 1 after the crew conducted a physical check of the switch, and no abnormal parameters were observed during the engine start or thereafter.

The fuel control switch of the left engine of the aircraft, which operated the flight AI132 to Bengaluru with more than 200 people on board, failed to latch in the 'RUN' position twice during engine start at London Heathrow. On the third attempt, the switch latched properly in the 'RUN' position.

The DGCA's detailed statement, explaining the sequence of events related to the Dreamliner, came amid concerns in certain quarters about the aircraft operating the flight despite the fuel control switch issue.

On February 1, Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner VT-ANX faced a fuel control switch issue during engine start in London.

"During engine start in London, on two occasions the crew observed that the fuel control switch did not remain positively latched in the 'RUN' position when light vertical pressure was applied.

"On the third attempt, the switch latched correctly in 'RUN' and subsequently remained stable. Before continuing with the rest of the procedure, a physical verification was performed by the crew to confirm that the switch was fully and positively latched in the 'RUN' position," DGCA said in the statement.

The regulator also mentioned that no abnormal engine parameters, cautions, warnings, or related system messages were observed during engine start or at any time thereafter.

"The operating crew member was briefed on the observation, unnecessary contact with the switch was avoided, and engine indications and alerting systems were closely monitored by the crew for the remainder of the flight. The flight was completed without incident," the statement said.

'RUN' and 'CUT OFF' are used to start or shut down engines, respectively.

After the incident was reported, Air India's engineering team carried out certain checks based on Boeing-recommended procedures to ensure the serviceability of the fuel control switch.

According to the team's observations, DGCA said both the left and right switches were checked and found satisfactory, with the locking tooth/pawl fully seated and not slipping from 'RUN' to 'CUT OFF'.

"When full force was applied parallel to the base plate, the switch remained secure. However, applying external force in an incorrect direction caused the switch to move easily from 'RUN' to 'CUT OFF', due to the angular base plate allowing slip when pressed improperly with finger or thumb," DGCA said, quoting the engineering team's findings.

On the basis of Boeing's communication, DGCA mentioned that the pull-to-unlock force was checked on the fuel control switch using the recommended procedure on the involved fuel cut-off switch, the fuel control unit to be installed, and the fuel cut-off switch of another aircraft.

"In all cases, the pull-to-unlock force was found within limits. These inspections were carried out in the presence of DGCA officers," the statement added.

An Air India pilot had reported the defect with the fuel control switch after the aircraft landed in Bengaluru. The airline has since grounded the plane for further checks.

The functioning of the fuel control switch is under scrutiny following the crash of Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft, or Dreamliner, which killed 260 people last June. The preliminary probe report mentioned that fuel supply was cut off shortly after take-off.

In the statement, the DGCA also advised Air India to circulate the procedure recommended by Boeing for the operation of the fuel 'CUT OFF' switch to its crew members. This recommendation came after a video surfaced, demonstrating that the procedure for operating the fuel 'CUT OFF' switch was incorrect.