United States: The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed mandatory inspections for hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft after discovering that passenger seats on some planes may have been installed incorrectly, potentially creating a safety hazard during emergency landings.
According to the FAA, the issue affects 453 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft registered in the United States. The regulator warned that improperly installed seats could detach during an emergency landing, increasing the risk of injuries to passengers and crew. Loose seats could also obstruct cabin aisles, delaying emergency evacuations and compromising passenger safety.
The proposed airworthiness directive applies only to aircraft registered in the United States, as the FAA does not have authority over foreign-operated aircraft. However, aviation regulators worldwide frequently adopt similar directives when safety issues impact globally operated aircraft.
Boeing confirmed that it had already issued guidance to airline operators regarding the seat installation issue in December 2025. The company stated that it supports the FAA’s move to make those inspection procedures mandatory across affected US aircraft.
The latest safety concern adds to ongoing scrutiny surrounding Boeing’s manufacturing and quality control processes. The company has faced intense regulatory oversight since January 2024, when a cabin door plug detached from an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 shortly after takeoff, forcing an emergency landing. Investigators later determined that four critical retaining bolts had not been installed.
Boeing has also come under pressure following several other aviation incidents worldwide and the death of whistleblower John Barnett in March 2024 while he was involved in legal proceedings related to aircraft safety concerns.
In June 2025, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that Boeing had failed to provide adequate training, guidance, and oversight that could have prevented the Alaska Airlines incident.
According to aviation intelligence firm IBA, nearly 2,300 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are currently in service worldwide, including 823 operating in the United States.
The FAA’s proposed inspections are aimed at ensuring passenger safety and preventing potential risks associated with improperly secured aircraft seats.
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