**Summary of DGCA Directives Regarding Air India Boeing 787-8 Grounding**
**Incident Overview**
On February 2, 2026, an Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft (Registration: VT-ANX) was grounded following the completion of flight sector AIC-132, which operated from London Heathrow (EGLL) to Bengaluru (VOBL).
**Technical Issue**
The grounding was prompted by an entry in the Pilot Defect Report. The report identified a malfunction in the left Fuel Control Switch (FCS), noting that the switch slipped from the “RUN” position to “CUTOFF” when pushed slightly and failed to lock positively in its selected position.
**Inspection and Findings**
Following recommendations from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Air India performed functional testing and inspections of the FCS. These procedures were conducted in accordance with OEM protocols and witnessed by officers from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Upon reviewing the evidence and inspection results, the OEM concluded that the Fuel Control Switch was mechanically functioning as designed and deemed the unit serviceable.
**Regulatory Action and Next Steps**
Despite the OEM’s findings, the DGCA India has mandated further action to ensure continued airworthiness. The regulator has directed that the specific Fuel Control Switch undergo a subsequent inspection at the OEM’s facility, which must be conducted in the presence of DGCA officers.
**Document Information**
* **Posted By:** PIB Delhi
* **Date/Time:** 19 May 2026, 9:37 PM
* **Author:** Divyanshu Kumar
* **Release ID:** 2263040
* **Visitor Counter:** 436
Key Entities Referenced
DGCA India: The civil aviation regulator that directed the mandatory inspection of the Fuel Control Switch to ensure continued airworthiness.
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The government ministry overseeing the safety and regulation of the civil aviation sector in India.
Air India: The airline carrier whose Boeing 787-8 aircraft was grounded due to a reported technical defect.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): The manufacturer responsible for prescribing inspection procedures and conducting functional testing of the aircraft's components.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Grounding of Air India Boeing 787-8 London
Heathrow–Bengaluru flight dated February 02,
2026
DGCA directed OEM to inspect Fuel Control Switch in
presence of its officers for Air India
Posted On: 19 MAY 2026 9:37PM by PIB Delhi
On 02.02.2026, M/s Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft VT-ANX, post operation of flight sector AIC-132
(London Heathrow (EGLL) – Bengaluru (VOBL), was grounded based upon an entry made in the Pilot
Defect Report stating that the left Fuel Control Switch (FCS) slips from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” when
pushed slightly and does not lock positively in its selected position.
Based on recommendations received from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), M/s Air India
carried out inspection and functional testing of the Fuel Control Switches (FCS) in accordance with OEM-
prescribed procedures in presence of DGCA officers.
Upon review of the inspection results and evidence provided, OEM concluded that the Fuel Control
Switch was mechanically functioning as designed and considered the unit serviceable.
The DGCA India, as part of continued airworthiness of the involved Fuel Control Switch, has directed for
their inspection at OEM facility in presence of DGCA officers.
***
Divyanshu Kumar
(Release ID: 2263040) Visitor Counter : 436