An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been grounded at London Heathrow Airport following the discovery of a critical fault in a fuel control switch during pre-flight checks. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, has raised significant safety concerns due to its similarity to issues under investigation in a deadly crash last year.
Details of the Fuel Switch Defect
The pilot reported that the fuel control switch moved from the 'run' to 'cutoff' position without being properly lifted, indicating a failure in its locking mechanism. This defect is particularly alarming as fuel control switches are a key focus in the ongoing probe into the Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad in June, which resulted in 260 fatalities. The malfunction suggests potential systemic issues that could compromise aircraft power and safety.
Air India's Immediate Response
In response to the incident, Air India has taken swift action by grounding the affected aircraft. The airline has also initiated a fleet-wide inspection of fuel control switches across its entire fleet of 33 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Additionally, Air India has contacted the Original Equipment Manufacturers and India's aviation regulator to address the defect and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Calls for Broader Grounding and Inspections
The Federation of Indian Pilots has renewed its calls for all Boeing 787 aircraft to be grounded for thorough electrical system inspections. This demand is based on previous warnings about potential switch malfunctions that could lead to catastrophic failures. The pilots' union emphasises the need for comprehensive checks to prevent future incidents and enhance aviation safety protocols.
Broader Implications for Aviation Safety
This grounding at Heathrow underscores ongoing challenges in the aviation industry regarding aircraft maintenance and regulatory oversight. With the Ahmedabad crash investigation still active, this latest fault highlights the urgency of addressing design or manufacturing flaws in critical components like fuel control switches. Stakeholders are urging for increased vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard passenger safety worldwide.
