New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) The Ministry of Civil Aviation issued a statement on Tuesday regarding the reported issues with the fuel cut-off switch in Air India’s Boeing B787-8 aircraft, VT-ANX, during its stay in London. The statement clarified that, following Boeing’s recommended procedures for assessing the serviceability of the fuel control switches, Air India’s engineering team confirmed: "Both left and right switches were examined and deemed functional, with the locking mechanism fully engaged and stable, not slipping from RUN to CUTOFF. When significant force was applied parallel to the base plate, the switch remained secure. However, applying external force incorrectly allowed the switch to transition from RUN to CUTOFF easily, due to the angular base plate that permits slip when pressed improperly with a finger or thumb."

Moreover, as per Boeing’s instructions, the pull-to-unlock force for the fuel control switch was tested using the recommended protocol for the relevant fuel cut-off switch, the fuel control unit to be installed, and the fuel cut-off switch from another aircraft. In all instances, the pull-to-unlock force was found to be within acceptable limits. These assessments were conducted in the presence of DGCA representatives, according to the ministry’s report.

The video circulating on social media was reviewed in the context of Boeing’s recommended protocols, revealing that the procedures shown in the circulating video were incorrect, as noted in the statement.

The airline has been instructed to disseminate Boeing’s recommended operational procedures for the Fuel CUT OFF switch to its crew members, as stated in the announcement.

On February 1, 2026, Air India’s B787-8 aircraft VT-ANX operated flight AI 132 from London to Bengaluru. During the engine start process in London, crew members noticed that the fuel control switch did not remain securely latched in the 'RUN' position when light vertical pressure was applied on two occasions. On the third attempt, the switch latched correctly in 'RUN' and remained stable subsequently. Before proceeding with the rest of the procedures, the crew conducted a physical check to ensure the switch was fully and positively latched in the 'RUN' position. No abnormal engine parameters, cautions, warnings, or related system messages were noted during the engine start or thereafter.

The crew was briefed on the observation, unnecessary contact with the switch was minimized, and engine indications and alert systems were closely monitored for the duration of the flight. The flight was completed without any incidents.

Upon landing in Bangalore, the crew documented the defect in the PDR. Air India subsequently referred the issue to Boeing for further guidance, after which the airline’s engineering team conducted checks in conjunction with DGCA officials, according to the statement.