Fuel switch scare grounds Air India Dreamliner; past crash raises concerns

Air India grounded a Dreamliner after a fuel switch scare on London–Bengaluru flight; DGCA found no faults, Boeing aiding review amid safety concerns

Air India has grounded one of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft after a pilot reported a suspected defect in the fuel control switch during a London–Bengaluru flight. The airline confirmed that the issue was immediately flagged to Boeing and the original equipment manufacturer, which is now examining the matter on priority.

In its official statement, Air India said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was promptly informed. Acting on DGCA’s directive, the airline carried out inspections of fuel control switches across its entire Boeing 787 fleet. No irregularities were detected during these checks, providing reassurance to passengers and regulators.

Boeing also issued a statement confirming its cooperation with Air India. “We are in contact with Air India and are supporting their review of this matter,” the company said, underscoring its commitment to safety and technical support.

The incident has revived memories of the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad last year. That aircraft, bound for London, crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel building seconds after take-off, killing 260 people—241 passengers and crew on board and 19 individuals on the ground.

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Investigations by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that both engines of the doomed aircraft briefly recovered after losing thrust but failed to stabilize, even after the switches were reset to “RUN.” The catastrophic failure led to one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent memory.

Following the Ahmedabad crash, Pushkar Sabharwal, father of late Captain Sumeet Sabharwal—the pilot-in-command of the ill-fated flight—filed a petition demanding an independent and technically sound probe. He urged that the investigation be overseen by a retired Supreme Court judge to ensure transparency and accountability.

While the latest scare did not result in any casualties, it has heightened scrutiny of Air India’s Dreamliner fleet. Regulators and the airline are working closely with Boeing to ensure that safety protocols are strictly enforced and that passengers can travel with confidence.

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