Air India, the Tata Group-owned full-service airline, took immediate action on Monday, 2 February 2026, by grounding one of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft. This decisive step followed a pilot's report of a potential defect in the fuel control switch, highlighting the carrier's commitment to stringent safety protocols.
Immediate Response to Pilot Concerns
According to an official company statement provided to Mint, Air India confirmed that the grounding occurred promptly after receiving initial information about the possible defect. The airline's spokesperson emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew remains the top priority, leading to this precautionary measure.
"We are aware that one of our pilots has reported a possible defect on the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. 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 Air India spokesperson stated.
Regulatory Communication and Fleet Checks
In line with aviation regulations, Air India has informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) about the incident. The airline also revealed that it had previously conducted checks on all fuel control switches across its Boeing 787 fleet, as mandated by a DGCA directive. These inspections reportedly found no issues at the time.
The spokesperson added, "The matter has been communicated to the aviation regulator, DGCA. Air India had checked the fuel control switches on all Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet after a directive from the DGCA, and had found no issues. At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remains top priority."
Collaboration with Boeing for Resolution
Air India is actively collaborating with Boeing, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), to address the pilot's concerns. The airline has prioritized this investigation to ensure a thorough assessment of the fuel control switch, underscoring its proactive approach to maintenance and safety standards.
This incident underscores the critical role of pilot vigilance and airline responsiveness in maintaining aviation safety. As the situation develops, Air India continues to monitor the aircraft closely while keeping regulatory authorities updated.
