An Air India flight travelling from London Heathrow to Bengaluru faced a serious technical issue earlier this week. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, has been grounded at the Bengaluru airport for a full safety check. The incident occurred on Monday, February 2, 2026, when the pilot noticed a malfunction during routine checks. The airline has immediately reported the matter to aviation authorities to ensure passenger safety.
What went wrong with the engine switch?
The main problem was found in the fuel control switch for the left engine. This switch is designed to control the flow of fuel and must stay locked in the ‘RUN’ position while the plane is operating. The pilot reported that the switch failed to lock properly and slipped towards the ‘CUTOFF’ position on its own. If this happens during a flight, it can cut the fuel supply and shut down the engine instantly. The specific aircraft involved in this incident is registered as VT-ANX.
Investigation and safety concerns
This technical failure has raised serious concerns because it is similar to a suspected cause of a previous accident. In June 2025, an Air India flight crashed in Ahmedabad, and investigators are looking into whether the same switch malfunction played a role there. Because of this history, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Boeing are closely monitoring the situation. Boeing has confirmed that they are in contact with Air India to help with the investigation.
- Flight Number: AI-132
- Route: London to Bengaluru
- Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8
- Current Status: Grounded for inspection
