Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Boeing 737 MAX Software Issue Prompts Safety Review
Boeing found a software problem on some 737 MAX airplanes.
The problem can happen after pilots miss a landing and choose a different approach.
It may make one automated flight-guidance function unavailable.
Boeing says pilots already have procedures for safely handling this situation.
The company advised airlines to reset the system after a missed approach.
Boeing is also working on a permanent software update.
The FAA is reviewing the matter and says it will act if it finds a safety concern.
Akasa Air says its operations remain safe, while Air India Express did not respond to questions.
A separate coating problem affects some Airbus A321neo airplanes.
Boeing identified a software problem on certain 737 MAX aircraft that may reduce automated flight guidance after a missed approach.
The issue can arise when pilots change the planned approach path after a missed landing attempt.
Boeing advised operators to reset the system and is developing a permanent software update.
Air India Express and Akasa Air operate about 96 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in India, but the affected aircraft have not been identified publicly.
The FAA is reviewing the issue, while Southwest and United reportedly sought aircraft with an earlier software version.
- Who
- Boeing, the Federal Aviation Administration, airlines, and operators including Air India Express and Akasa Air are involved.
- What
- A software issue on certain Boeing 737 MAX aircraft may reduce automated flight guidance after a missed approach when pilots change the planned flight path.
- When
- Boeing informed operators the previous month and said it was developing a permanent update; the FAA review was reported afterward.
- Where
- The issue concerns Boeing 737 MAX aircraft operated internationally, including about 96 aircraft in India.
- Why
- Boeing is addressing the problem after identifying a possible reduction in automation and has advised operators on interim procedures.
Reasons for Caution
Current Safety Measures
Potential operational impact
Reasons for Caution
The software can reduce access to automated flight guidance during a landing scenario, and the number of aircraft using the affected software was not immediately clear.
Current Safety Measures
Boeing said it reinforced existing pilot procedures, advised operators to reset the system, and is developing a permanent fix.
Need for regulatory action
Reasons for Caution
The FAA is reviewing the issue, and Southwest Airlines and United Airlines reportedly sought deliveries with an earlier software version.
Current Safety Measures
The FAA said it would take immediate action if its review identifies a safety concern; Akasa Air said its operations remain safe under established procedures and regulatory requirements.
Impact on Indian operators
Reasons for Caution
Akasa Air did not clarify whether any of its 43 aircraft have the affected software, and Air India Express did not respond to queries.
Current Safety Measures
Akasa Air said there was no impact on the safety of its operations and that it was coordinating with Boeing.
- Aircraft involved
- Certain Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with the relevant software update
- Potential effect
- Automated flight guidance may disengage or become unavailable after a missed approach and a changed approach path
- Interim instruction
- Reset the system after a missed approach
- Permanent solution
- Boeing engineers are developing a software update
- Indian 737 MAX fleet
- Air India Express operates around 53 aircraft and Akasa Air operates 43, for about 96 combined
- Regulatory review
- The FAA said it would convene a Corrective Action Review Board and take immediate action if it identifies a safety concern
- Affected aircraft count
- The number of aircraft currently flying with the affected software was not immediately clear
- Separate Airbus issue
- A fuselage surface-protection coating problem affects a significant number of A321neo aircraft, including around a dozen operated by IndiGo
