Air India Rejects Fuel Switch Malfunction Claim

• Issue reported during engine start on AI 132 London–Bengaluru flight
• Boeing checks find fuel control switch within limits
• No in-flight warnings or abnormal parameters observed
• DGCA witnessed inspections; airline to brief crew on correct procedure

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd Feb: Air India has issued a rejoinder dismissing reports of a purported malfunction of the fuel cut-off switch on its Boeing 787-8 aircraft VT-ANX, stating that detailed checks found the system serviceable and the flight was completed without incident.

On February 1, 2026, the Air India-operated Boeing 787-8 (VT-ANX) was performing engine start procedures in London for flight AI 132 to Bengaluru. On two occasions, the operating 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 and remained stable.

Before proceeding, the crew conducted a physical verification to confirm the switch was fully and positively latched in “RUN”. No abnormal engine parameters, cautions, warnings or system messages were observed during engine start or thereafter. The crew avoided unnecessary contact with the switch, closely monitored indications throughout the flight, and completed the journey without incident.

After landing in Bengaluru, the crew recorded the observation in the Post-Flight Defect Report. Air India referred the matter to Boeing for guidance. Following Boeing-recommended checks, Air India Engineering reported that both left and right switches were satisfactory, with the locking tooth/pawl fully seated and not slipping from RUN to CUTOFF.

Engineering findings noted that when force was applied parallel to the base plate, the switch remained secure. However, applying external force in an incorrect direction could cause the switch to move due to the angular base plate—an effect linked to improper handling rather than a defect.

Additionally, the pull-to-unlock force was tested using Boeing’s prescribed procedure on the involved switch, the fuel control unit to be installed, and the fuel cut-off switch of another aircraft. In all cases, results were within specified limits. These inspections were carried out in the presence of officers from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Air India also analysed a video circulating on social media and concluded that the procedure shown was incorrect when assessed against Boeing-recommended methods. The airline has advised that the correct Boeing procedure for operating the fuel cut-off switch be circulated to all crew members to prevent improper handling.

The carrier reiterated that safety protocols were followed throughout and that the aircraft and systems were found airworthy following the checks.