US regulator orders safety inspection of 453 Boeing 737 MAX jets

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an urgent safety directive requiring the inspection of all 453 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft registered in the United States after identifying potential seat‑attachment problems. The agency’s notice, released on Tuesday, warns that certain seat components could detach during flight, posing a risk of injury to passengers and crew, and mandates that operators conduct a thorough examination of the affected seats within 30 days.

The directive follows a series of incidents in which seat panels and recline mechanisms on the 737 MAX were reported to have loosened or fallen off mid‑air, including a recent event on a Southwest Airlines flight that prompted an emergency landing. Boeing has acknowledged the issue, stating it will provide technical guidance and support to airlines for the required inspections and any necessary repairs. The FAA will monitor compliance and may impose additional measures if safety concerns persist, aiming to ensure that the fleet remains airworthy while the review is completed.