India’s aviation authority has ordered all airlines to inspect fuel control switches on certain Boeing aircraft after a deadly Air India crash raised concerns about possible malfunction. The move follows a preliminary investigation that showed the fuel switches may have shifted from “run” to “cutoff” shortly after takeoff.
The crash, which occurred on July 12, involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flying from Ahmedabad to London. It went down shortly after takeoff, killing 260 people — 242 onboard and 19 on the ground — leaving only one survivor. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s report revealed a confusing moment in the cockpit where one pilot questioned why the fuel was cut off, and the other denied doing so.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a directive on Monday, requiring airlines to inspect the locking mechanism of the fuel control switches on Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft. The inspections must be completed by July 21. Boeing had earlier assured operators that the switch locks were safe but referred to the FAA’s 2018 bulletin, which had recommended such checks to prevent accidental movement.
The order reflects growing global concern, with South Korea also preparing to issue a similar directive. Several international and domestic carriers have already begun voluntary inspections. The DGCA confirmed that many operators had started checking their aircraft in line with the FAA’s earlier safety alert.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson urged caution and patience, stating in a letter to employees that the investigation was ongoing and jumping to conclusions would be irresponsible. The final cause of the crash has not yet been confirmed, but safety checks are being ramped up worldwide to prevent further tragedies.