Fuel Cutoff Switch Malfunction Reports Misleading, Flight Was Completely Safe: Air India
New Delhi: Air India, in a clarification regarding news reports about an alleged malfunction of the fuel cutoff switch on its Boeing B787-8 aircraft (VT-ANX), stated that no technical or safety issues were encountered during the flight. The aircraft was operating flight AI-132 (London-Bengaluru) on February 1, 2026.
During engine start in London, the crew observed that the fuel control switch did not firmly lock into the "RUN" position on two occasions when light vertical pressure was applied. On the third attempt, the switch locked correctly into the "RUN" position and remained stable thereafter. A physical inspection was conducted before the flight to ensure the switch was fully secure. No abnormal engine parameters, warnings, or alerts were recorded during the flight, and the flight was completed safely.
After landing in Bengaluru, the matter was recorded in the Pilot's Defect Report (PDR). Air India referred the matter to Boeing for further guidance. Based on tests suggested by Boeing, Air India Engineering found both fuel cutoff switches to be satisfactory. The investigation revealed that the switch could slip if external force was applied at an incorrect angle, but it remained fully secure when operated correctly. All tests were conducted in the presence of DGCA officials.
Air India stated that the video circulating on social media is based on an incorrect procedure. The airline has been advised to brief its crew members on the Boeing-recommended procedure for operating the fuel cutoff switch.
