Air India Confirms Boeing 787 Fuel Switch Is Functional Amid Continued DGCA Scrutiny

Air India has said that the fuel-control switch panel on a Boeing 787 aircraft operating on the London–Delhi route in February has been confirmed as “fully functional,” following reports of further regulatory scrutiny and additional testing of the component. The airline’s clarification came in response to a Reuters report suggesting that officials from India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), were planning to visit Boeing’s facilities in the United States to observe manufacturer-led testing of the recovered panel.

Air India stated that the aircraft component in question had already been assessed and found to be operating normally. According to the airline, the decision to carry out further evaluation in a controlled environment is being undertaken as a precautionary measure to ensure a comprehensive and conclusive assessment of the system. It said the process is aimed at definitively confirming the performance and integrity of the fuel-control switch mechanism, which plays a critical role in regulating fuel flow to aircraft engines.

Air India also stated that it fully supports the additional testing process, emphasising its commitment to safety and regulatory oversight. However, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, under which the DGCA functions, has not confirmed reports regarding any planned visit to Boeing’s facility in Seattle. Officials have indicated that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been kept informed of all developments since the matter was first reported.

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The renewed attention on the fuel-control switch comes amid broader scrutiny of Boeing 787 aircraft systems, particularly following investigations into safety-related incidents involving Air India-operated planes. These concerns have intensified discussions within the aviation sector regarding component reliability, maintenance protocols, and regulatory monitoring standards.

While investigations continue, authorities and the airline maintain that current findings indicate no malfunction in the switch panel tested from the London–Delhi aircraft. Further analysis is expected as part of ongoing oversight procedures to ensure compliance with international aviation safety standards.

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