Air India has completed its inspection of the fuel control switch on all Boeing 787 and Boeing 737 aircraft. The inspection was ordered by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. This accident resulted in the loss of 241 lives aboard the aircraft. After the crash, airlines heightened their safety protocols, leading to a comprehensive review of aircraft systems.
The inspection began on July 12, 2025, shortly after the DGCA issued its directives. The airline confirmed that no issues were found with the fuel control switch locking system. The DGCA’s safety instructions were in response to concerns raised about the integrity of fuel supply systems in aircraft.
An initial report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau indicated that the airplane’s engine failed shortly after takeoff due to a loss of fuel supply. This failure was linked to an unexpected change in the fuel switch from ‘run’ to ‘cut-off’. Such incidents raised serious concerns about the reliability of the fuel cut-off switch mechanism.
Air India stated that both Air India and Air India Express have adhered to the safety guidelines. They promptly informed the DGCA about the completion of the inspections. The inspections were conducted within the timeline set by the regulatory body.
Furthermore, global airlines, including Emirates, have begun similar inspections of their Boeing aircraft. The aviation community is taking these incidents seriously, with many airlines reviewing their operational protocols to ensure passenger safety.
In another recent incident, an Air India A321 experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit after landing at Delhi Airport. Fortunately, all passengers and crew were safe, and the aircraft was grounded for further investigation.
Air India is part of the Tata Group and has been under scrutiny following several recent incidents. The airline is committed to ensuring the safety of its passengers by implementing rigorous maintenance and inspection protocols. The DGCA has also urged all Indian carriers operating Boeing models to conduct thorough checks and report their findings by July 21, 2025. This reflects a growing emphasis on safety in the aviation industry, particularly in light of recent accidents.
As the aviation sector continues to recover from the pandemic, ensuring the safety and confidence of passengers remains paramount. Air India’s proactive measures demonstrate its commitment to maintaining high safety standards amid rising concerns over aircraft reliability. The airline industry is now more vigilant than ever, striving to prevent further tragedies and enhance operational safety for all passengers.