Key Takeaways
• DGCA ordered urgent inspections of Boeing 787 and select 737 models by July 21, 2025.
• Air India Flight AI171 crashed June 12, 2025, killing all 260 onboard due to fuel switch failure.
• FAA warned in 2018 about fuel switch risks; DGCA now enforces inspections and reports.
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has ordered urgent inspections of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and select Boeing 737 models after the deadly crash of Air India Flight AI171. The crash, which happened on June 12, 2025, killed all 260 people on board and raised serious questions about aircraft safety in India. The DGCA’s directive, issued on July 15, 2025, requires all Indian airlines operating these Boeing models to inspect the fuel control switch locking mechanism by July 21, 2025.
This move comes as families, airline staff, and the wider public demand answers and reassurance about the safety of flying in India. The crash of Air India Flight AI171 has not only shaken the aviation industry but also affected the lives of many people who rely on air travel for work, family, and migration.
What Happened to Air India Flight AI171?
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (registration VT-ANB), took off from Ahmedabad, heading to London Gatwick. Shortly after takeoff, the plane crashed, killing everyone on board. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released early findings showing that the fuel supply to both engines was cut off just before the crash. Investigators found both fuel control switches in the OFF position. Cockpit voice recordings revealed confusion among the pilots, with neither admitting to turning off the fuel.
This tragic event led to immediate action from the DGCA, which is responsible for keeping India’s skies safe. The crash also brought renewed attention to a technical issue that had been flagged years earlier by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Why Are Fuel Control Switches So Important?
Fuel control switches are small but vital parts located inside the Throttle Control Module (TCM) of an aircraft. These switches control the flow of fuel to the engines. If they are accidentally turned off, the engines lose power, which can lead to a crash. In the case of Air India Flight AI171, both switches were found in the OFF position, causing both engines to stop working.
Aviation safety experts say that these switches must have strong locking systems to prevent them from being turned off by mistake. If the locking system fails or is too easy to disengage, it puts everyone on board at risk.
Previous Warnings from the FAA
The FAA, which oversees aviation safety in the United States 🇺🇸, had already warned about the risk of accidental disengagement of the fuel control switch locking system in certain Boeing 787 and 737 models. In 2018, the FAA issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) about this issue. However, at that time, the FAA did not see it as a major safety risk and did not require airlines to make changes. No mandatory airworthiness directive was issued, so airlines were not forced to fix the problem.
Now, after the Air India Flight AI171 crash, this earlier warning has become a central focus for Indian regulators and airlines.
DGCA’s Immediate Response and New Rules
On July 15, 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a formal order to all Indian airlines operating Boeing 787 Dreamliners and select Boeing 737 variants. The order requires these airlines to:
- Inspect the fuel control switch locking mechanism on all affected aircraft by July 21, 2025.
- Submit detailed compliance reports to the DGCA and their regional offices after completing the inspections.
The DGCA is closely watching the situation and may issue more rules based on what the inspections find and the ongoing AAIB investigation.
Which Airlines Are Affected?
The DGCA’s order affects several major Indian airlines, including:
- Air India
- Air India Express
- Akasa Air
- SpiceJet
These airlines operate Boeing 787 Dreamliners and/or select Boeing 737 models. All have started or are preparing for the required inspections. This means some planes may be taken out of service temporarily, which could cause delays or cancellations for passengers.
How Does This Affect Travelers and Immigrants?
For many people, especially those traveling for work, family reunification, or migration, air travel is essential. The crash of Air India Flight AI171 and the DGCA’s inspection order may cause:
- Flight delays or cancellations as planes are inspected and, if needed, repaired.
- Increased anxiety among travelers about the safety of flying, especially on Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 737s.
- Possible changes in travel plans for those who need to reach other countries for immigration, study, or work.
Airlines are working to minimize disruptions, but travelers should check with their airline for updates and be prepared for possible changes.
What Are the Airlines Doing Now?
Airlines affected by the DGCA’s order are taking several steps:
- Inspecting all Boeing 787 Dreamliners and select 737 models for problems with the fuel control switch locking mechanism.
- Reporting their findings to the DGCA and regional offices.
- Taking planes out of service if any issues are found, until repairs are made.
- Communicating with passengers about any changes to flight schedules.
Airline industry representatives have supported the DGCA’s quick action. They have also asked Boeing and the FAA for more technical guidance to fix any design problems with the fuel control switch system.
What Happens Next?
The AAIB is still investigating the crash of Air India Flight AI171. Its final report is expected to provide more details about what went wrong and may include new recommendations for airlines and regulators. The DGCA may issue more rules based on the results of the inspections and the AAIB’s final report.
There is also a chance that Boeing and the FAA will review the design and certification of the fuel control switch locking system. This could lead to changes in how these switches are made or used in the future.
International Coordination and Safety Standards
Indian airlines are not alone in dealing with this issue. Airlines in other countries have also started inspecting their Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 737s after the FAA’s earlier guidance. This shows the importance of international cooperation in aviation safety.
The DGCA is working closely with the FAA and other international regulators to make sure Indian airlines meet global safety standards. This helps restore public confidence in the safety of flying in India and around the world.
What Should Passengers Do?
If you have a flight booked on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner or a Boeing 737 with an Indian airline, here are some steps you can take:
- Check with your airline for the latest updates on your flight status.
- Allow extra time for possible delays or changes to your travel plans.
- Stay informed by following official updates from the DGCA and your airline.
- Contact your airline’s customer service if you have concerns or need to change your booking.
For those traveling for immigration, work, or study, it’s important to keep all your documents ready and stay flexible in case your travel plans change.
Expert Opinions on the Safety Issue
Aviation safety experts say that the fuel control switch system is a critical part of aircraft safety. They stress the need for strong fail-safes to prevent accidental disengagement. Some experts have called for a redesign of the locking mechanism to make it harder to turn off the fuel switches by mistake.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, industry insiders believe that the DGCA’s quick action will help prevent similar accidents in the future and restore trust in Indian aviation. However, they also point out that more needs to be done to address possible design flaws and improve pilot training.
Policy Implications and the Role of Regulators
The DGCA’s response highlights the important role of regulators in keeping passengers safe. By ordering immediate inspections and requiring detailed reports, the DGCA is making sure that airlines take the issue seriously.
This incident also shows the need for ongoing review of safety warnings from international bodies like the FAA. Even if a problem is not seen as a major risk at first, it can become critical if not addressed.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
The risk of accidental disengagement of fuel control switches was first flagged by the FAA in 2018. At that time, the issue was not seen as a major safety risk, so no mandatory action was taken. Airlines were not required to fix the problem, and many planes continued to fly without changes to the locking system.
The crash of Air India Flight AI171 has changed that. Now, regulators, airlines, and manufacturers are taking a closer look at this issue and working to prevent future accidents.
What Are the Next Steps for Airlines and Regulators?
Here’s what needs to happen next:
- All Indian airlines operating Boeing 787 Dreamliners and select 737 models must complete inspections of the fuel control switch locking mechanism by July 21, 2025.
- Airlines must submit compliance reports to the DGCA and their regional offices.
- The DGCA will review the inspection results and may issue more rules if needed.
- The AAIB will release its final report on the Air India Flight AI171 crash, which may include new recommendations.
- Boeing and the FAA may review the design of the fuel control switch system and issue new guidance or requirements.
How Does This Affect Immigration and International Travel?
For people moving between countries for work, study, or family reasons, safe and reliable air travel is essential. The crash of Air India Flight AI171 and the DGCA’s inspection order may cause short-term disruptions, but the goal is to make flying safer for everyone.
Immigrants, students, and workers who rely on air travel should:
- Stay updated on flight changes and safety information.
- Keep important documents ready in case of delays or rescheduling.
- Reach out to airlines and immigration authorities if travel plans are affected.
Where Can You Find Official Updates?
For the latest information, check the official DGCA website at dgca.gov.in. This site provides updates on safety rules, inspection deadlines, and other important news for travelers and airlines.
You can also visit the AAIB India website at aaib.gov.in for updates on the crash investigation and safety recommendations.
Conclusion: Safety First for Indian Aviation
The crash of Air India Flight AI171 has been a tragic reminder of the importance of strong safety systems in aviation. The DGCA’s order for urgent inspections of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and select 737 models is a key step in making sure such an accident does not happen again.
By acting quickly and working with airlines, international regulators, and manufacturers, the DGCA aims to restore public trust and keep India’s skies safe. Passengers, especially those traveling for immigration or work, should stay informed and be ready for possible changes as airlines complete these important safety checks.
The coming weeks will be critical as inspections are completed, reports are reviewed, and new safety measures are put in place. For now, the focus remains on protecting lives and making sure every flight in India is as safe as possible.
Learn Today
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) → India’s regulatory body responsible for civil aviation safety and policies.
Fuel control switch → A critical aircraft component regulating fuel flow to engines.
Throttle Control Module (TCM) → Aircraft system housing fuel control switches affecting engine power.
Airline compliance report → Detailed documentation airlines submit after safety inspections to regulators.
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) → Indian agency investigating aviation accidents to determine causes.
This Article in a Nutshell
Following the tragic June 2025 Air India crash, DGCA requires swift inspection of fuel control switches on Boeing 787s and select 737s, aiming to prevent future accidents and ensure aviation safety amid global regulatory cooperation and ongoing investigations.
— By VisaVerge.com
