Air India has suspended operations of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner after a technical issue was reported involving the aircraft’s left engine fuel control switch, which unexpectedly shifted from “run” to “cutoff” during engine startup on two occasions.

The affected flight, AI 132, was scheduled to operate between London Heathrow and Bengaluru. According to the airline, a pilot flagged a potential malfunction in the fuel control system, prompting immediate grounding of the aircraft as a precaution.

The airline confirmed that it is working closely with the aircraft manufacturer to investigate the issue, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been formally notified. Air India emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority.

Earlier inspections conducted across the airline’s Boeing 787 fleet—following regulatory guidance—had not revealed similar problems, the carrier noted.

The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of fuel control systems after findings from the preliminary investigation into the 2025 Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, where a brief interruption in engine fuel supply was recorded shortly after takeoff.

Fuel control switches regulate the flow of fuel to aircraft engines and are typically operated during engine start, shutdown, or in emergency situations. Aviation specialists note that these switches are designed to prevent accidental movement, requiring a deliberate lift-and-toggle action.

On the Boeing 787, the switches are positioned beneath the thrust levers and are spring-loaded to stay in place. They operate in two modes—“run” for normal engine operation and “cutoff” to stop fuel flow.

Investigators previously revealed that, during the Ahmedabad crash sequence, both engine fuel switches briefly transitioned to “cutoff” within seconds of liftoff, leading to power loss. Cockpit audio recordings captured confusion between pilots over how the switches were moved, though responsibility was not assigned in the report.

In-flight, if switches are returned from “cutoff” to “run,” the aircraft’s automated engine control system attempts to restart engines and restore thrust.

Air India continues its technical assessment while maintaining that safety protocols are being strictly followed.