Air India Grounds Boeing 787-8 Due to Engine Fuel Switch Fault

Air India has grounded its Boeing 787-8 aircraft following a reported fuel switch malfunction. The incident occurred on February 1, 2026, during a flight from London to Bengaluru.

Details of the Incident

The issue involved an abnormal behavior of the left engine fuel control switch. Reports indicate that the switch failed to stay locked in the RUN position during engine start attempts, shifting toward the CUTOFF position instead.

Historical Context

This incident recalls the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad last June. In that case, a preliminary report identified a similar malfunction with the fuel switches, leading to the loss of both engines and the deaths of at least 269 people.

Actions Taken by Air India

• Following the February 1 incident, Air India grounded the affected aircraft.
• The airline is collaborating with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to investigate the reported issue.
• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been informed about the incident.

Ongoing Investigations and Concerns

Captain Amit Singh, founder of the NGO Safety Matters, has raised questions regarding the effectiveness of safety inspections mandated by the DGCA after the June crash. He had previously petitioned the Supreme Court for an independent investigation into the earlier crash.

Currently, there are three petitions pending in the Supreme Court related to the June crash. These include submissions from Captain Singh, the father of the pilot involved in the crash, and a third petition from a concerned student.

Conclusion

This recent fuel switch malfunction highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding Air India’s Boeing 787-8 fleet. The investigations will be crucial in ensuring passenger safety and restoring confidence in the airline.