Indian airspace is once again under close scrutiny after Air India ordered the immediate inspection of fuel control switches on all 33 of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, following the discovery of a worrying anomaly.
According to an internal memo consulted yesterday, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, this decision follows the grounding, starting on Monday, of a Boeing 787-8 after a pilot reported a malfunction in this critical component during the pre-takeoff preparation phases.
These checks are taking place amid extreme tension, as authorities continue to investigate the tragic crash of a similar aircraft last year, a disaster that claimed 260 lives and left a lasting mark on the nation.
While the airline’s engineering department has prioritized forwarding the case to Boeing for a thorough technical evaluation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has offered a significant nuance, stating that Monday’s incident resulted more from improper handling of the switch than from a structural or mechanical failure.
Nevertheless, faced with the emerging psychosis and the security challenges, Air India is prioritizing the principle of maximum precaution to restore the confidence of its passengers, while experts are scrutinizing the design of these switches to determine if there is a recurring ergonomic or technical vulnerability on this flagship model of the American aircraft manufacturer.