Air India Grounds Boeing 787 After Fuel Control Switch Shifts From ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’

Photographer: Dave Sturges - ShipSpotting.com

The Safety Matters Foundation (SMF) has raised severe and recurring safety concerns involving Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft operated by Air India, following a documented incident on a recent international flight. The event occurred on February 2, 2026, during the operation of Air India flight AI132, which departed London Heathrow bound for Bengaluru.

According to the foundation, the crew of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner registered as VT-ANX reported abnormal behavior of the left engine fuel control switch. During engine start-up, the selector failed to remain latched in the RUN position on two attempts, instead moving toward the CUTOFF position. Under certain conditions, such a malfunction could lead to an inadvertent in-flight engine shutdown.

Air India acknowledged the report through an official statement:

"We are aware that one of our pilots has reported a possible defect on the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft," the Air India spokesperson said.

The airline confirmed immediate action following the report:

"After receiving this initial information, we have grounded the said aircraft and are involving the OEM to get the pilot's concerns checked on a priority basis," the spokesperson said, referring to the original equipment manufacturer i.e. Boeing.

The airline also reiterated its safety commitment:

"At Air India, safety of our passengers and crew remains top priority," the spokesperson said.

The Safety Matters Foundation noted that this incident occurred amid the ongoing investigation into the loss of Air India flight AI171 on June 12, 2025, which also involved a Boeing 787. While the foundation does not establish a direct link between the two events, it emphasizes that the re-emergence of issues affecting a critical flight-control system on the same aircraft model warrants the highest level of scrutiny.

As part of the accident investigation, authorities are examining the possibility of deliberate pilot action to move the switch. At the same time, investigators are assessing whether an equipment malfunction may have occurred — a scenario that, until now, has not been recorded on any Dreamliner aircraft.

In response, the Safety Matters Foundation issued several appeals to aviation authorities and the airline. These include immediate and transparent disclosure by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India of the inspection results for aircraft VT-ANX; a public reassessment of the methodology and outcomes of previous preventive checks conducted across the fleet; proactive communication to ensure flight crews are fully aware of the FAA alert and reporting procedures; and an urgent regulatory review to determine whether this is an isolated incident or indicative of a broader issue requiring immediate airworthiness action.

The foundation stressed that its concerns are systemic and procedural in nature and do not attribute any responsibility to the flight crew. According to SMF, the crew acted professionally by managing the situation appropriately and reporting it through the correct channels.

In a separate statement, Boeing said it is addressing the matter directly with the airline.

"We are in contact with Air India and supporting the review of this matter," a representative of the manufacturer said.

The Safety Matters Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing transportation safety through research, public awareness, and engagement with policymakers, ensuring that safety systems are robust, transparent, and continuously improved.