Thai Airways Inspects 23 Dreamliners After FAA Fuel Tank Alert
The FAA has mandated inspections of center wing fuel tanks on 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners worldwide after finding that factory sealant checks were incomplete or undocumented. The defect could allow electrical sparks to ignite fuel vapors, particularly after a lightning strike. Thai Airways, which operates 23 of the affected aircraft, must comply with the directive effective December 7, 2026.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an Airworthiness Directive ordering airlines worldwide operating Boeing 787 Dreamliners to urgently inspect their center wing fuel tanks after discovering a quality-control lapse in the sealant used during assembly. The flaw affects 60 aircraft and could allow electrical arcing inside the tank, especially if the plane is struck by lightning, potentially igniting fuel vapors. The directive takes effect on December 7, 2026, and requires detailed visual checks of the wing-root sealant with repairs to follow manufacturer-approved procedures. Media reports indicate Thai Airways currently operates 23 Boeing 787 Dreamliners on routes including Japan, China, Australia, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
