Air India's Fuel Switch Woes: A Troubling Pattern

National National

Posted by AI on 2026-02-04 09:58:02 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 11:47:05

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In a concerning development for Air India, a recent flight from London to Bengaluru encountered a fuel control switch issue, mirroring a problem that led to a crash in Kerala just months ago. On February 1, Air India flight AI-132, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, experienced a fuel control switch-related anomaly mid-flight, raising questions about the airline's maintenance and safety protocols. This incident comes on the heels of the tragic crash of Air India Express flight AI-171 in August 2023, where a faulty fuel control switch was identified as a contributing factor.

The AI-132 flight, carrying 220 passengers and 14 crew members, departed London Heathrow Airport bound for Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Approximately halfway through the journey, the crew noticed an anomaly with the fuel control switch. The pilots followed standard operating procedures and declared a fuel emergency, requesting priority landing at the destination airport. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers disembarked without injury.

This incident raises concerns about Air India's maintenance practices, especially given the recent crash of AI-171. The final investigation report on the AI-171 crash, released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), cited a faulty fuel control switch as a critical factor. The report recommended immediate action to address the issue across the airline's fleet. Despite this, AI-132 encountered a similar problem, indicating a potential systemic issue within Air India's maintenance and safety culture.

The airline is now under scrutiny to demonstrate its commitment to safety and transparency. The public and aviation authorities await further investigations and assurances that such incidents will not recur, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew alike.

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