Boeing flags 737 MAX software glitch that could disrupt automated guidance after missed landing

Boeing has identified a software issue affecting some 737 MAX aircraft that could cause an automated flight-guidance function to disengage during a specific scenario following an aborted landing attempt, prompting the aircraft maker to alert operators while it works on a permanent fix. The development is being watched in India, where Air India Express and Akasa Air together operate around 96 aircraft from the 737 MAX family.

The problem can arise after a missed approach — when pilots abandon a landing and prepare to make another attempt — if the subsequent flight path differs from the route originally programmed into the aircraft's flight management system. Boeing has advised operators on procedures to handle the situation and is developing a software update to permanently address the issue.

What Boeing found

The issue involves automated vertical navigation during a particular missed-approach sequence. If pilots alter the pre-programmed flight path after abandoning a landing, the aircraft's vertical navigation, or VNAV, function may disengage and the flight-guidance system can shift to a less sophisticated level of automated pitch control.

The aircraft's autopilot itself does not necessarily disengage when the issue occurs. Boeing has said pilots are trained to safely operate without VNAV, though the loss of that automated function can require additional crew inputs during a phase of flight when pilots may already be managing a relatively high workload.

"Last month, we informed all 737 operators about a software issue where pilots may experience a reduction in automation during a landing scenario," a Boeing spokesperson said Sunday. The company said it had reinforced existing procedures for dealing with such cases and that its engineers were working on a permanent software update.

Boeing has also advised operators to reset the system after a missed approach as a precautionary measure, according to sources. The manufacturer is seeking to accelerate a permanent solution while regulators assess the implications of the problem.

96 MAX jets in India

The development has particular relevance for India because two domestic airlines have substantial 737 MAX fleets. Air India Express has around 53 MAX aircraft, while Akasa Air operates about 43, taking their combined fleet to approximately 96 aircraft.

There is, however, no confirmation that all — or any — of these Indian aircraft are running the specific software version associated with the problem. Boeing has not publicly identified the individual aircraft affected globally, and airlines are not necessarily required to notify the manufacturer each time they install a flight-management software update.

Akasa Air said it was coordinating closely with Boeing and maintained that there was no impact on the safety of its operations. The airline did not specifically say whether any aircraft in its fleet carried the software version in question.

"We are closely coordinating with Boeing and can confirm that there is no impact to the safety of Akasa Air operations. Our aircraft continue to operate safely in accordance with established procedures and applicable regulatory requirements," an Akasa Air spokesperson said.

Air India Express had not responded to queries on the issue, while there was no immediate statement from India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation on whether it was examining the matter or considering any directions to domestic operators.

FAA examining issue

The US Federal Aviation Administration is also reviewing the software problem. The regulator has said it is aware of a potential issue involving a software update for flight computers on certain 737 MAX aircraft and is working with Boeing and airlines.

The FAA plans to convene a Corrective Action Review Board to evaluate the issue and determine whether regulatory intervention is required. It has said it would take immediate action if the assessment identifies a safety concern.

The affected software has been identified as versions 14 and 14.1 of the MAX flight management computer operating system. Boeing initially informed airlines about the problem in August after examining circumstances in which the automated guidance could become unavailable.

The manufacturer first became aware of the issue following feedback from a MAX operator in November 2024. Boeing initially determined that the problem did not meet the threshold for a safety review, but subsequently began a formal review after receiving additional feedback.

Some US airlines avoid software

Several major US operators have taken precautionary steps while the issue is being assessed. Southwest Airlines and United Airlines have told Boeing they do not want new MAX aircraft delivered with the affected software and have sought an earlier version instead.

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest and United have said their in-service MAX fleets do not use the software version in question. Boeing has also told operators that aircraft equipped with the affected version can revert to an earlier software release.

It remains unclear how many aircraft worldwide are currently using the affected software. More than 2,400 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 aircraft are operating globally, making the regulatory assessment significant for one of the world's most widely used narrow-body aircraft families.

The software problem comes as Boeing continues efforts to stabilise the MAX programme and secure regulatory approvals for newer variants of the aircraft. For Indian operators, the immediate focus will be on determining whether aircraft in their fleets use the affected software and whether the DGCA considers any additional precautions necessary.