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Mumbai.Boeing 737 MAX software glitch affects navigation during second landing attempt

A software glitch has been detected in Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft that can affect a navigation feature during a second landing attempt after a pilot changes the aircraft’s planned route. The problem is linked to an update to the aircraft’s cockpit software. It can occur in a specific situation when the first landing attempt is unsuccessful and pilots modify the aircraft’s planned route before attempting to land again.

Reuters reported the development, citing The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), which obtained documents from Boeing that contained details of the software issue. Boeing said it informed operators of the 737 MAX about the problem last month. The company is now working on another software update to address the issue.

India has around 102 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. However, it has not yet been disclosed whether Indian aircraft are affected by the software problem or how many aircraft may have the software installed.

FAA joins Boeing and airlines in software investigation

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also confirmed that it is aware of a potential issue involving a flight-computer software update on some Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

The FAA said it was working with Boeing and airlines to investigate the matter. The authorities and the company are examining the software issue and its possible impact on aircraft operations.

The exact number of aircraft carrying the affected software version has not been disclosed so far.

Southwest and United seek aircraft with older software

According to the report, two major US airlines have taken steps in response to the software issue. Southwest Airlines and United Airlines have asked Boeing to provide newly delivered 737 MAX aircraft with an older software version instead of aircraft carrying the affected software.

The development comes as Boeing and regulators continue to examine the problem and determine the aircraft affected by the software update.

Key points:

• Boeing informed 737 MAX operators about the issue last month.
• The problem is linked to an update to cockpit software.
• FAA is investigating the issue with Boeing and airlines.
• The number of aircraft carrying the affected software is not known.

Three Indian airlines operate Boeing 737 MAX aircraft

The 737 MAX forms an important part of the fleets of three Indian airlines — Air India Express, Akasa Air and SpiceJet.

Air India said in January 2026 that it had received 51 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, which were being operated by Air India Express. Akasa Air had 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, according to a report published in August 2026.

SpiceJet also operates the 737 MAX, although its current fleet size is less clear. The airline had set a target of 11 MAX aircraft for the end of 2025. Changes to its fleet during 2026 mean the exact current number is not clearly available from public fleet data.

India has around 102 MAX aircraft across three airlines

Based on the available figures, Indian airlines have around 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in operation.

The reported fleet figures are:

• Air India Express: 51 Boeing 737-8 aircraft.
• Akasa Air: 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
• SpiceJet: Around 11 MAX aircraft was the target for the end of 2025.

The current SpiceJet figure may have changed during 2026. It is therefore not possible to establish the exact number of MAX aircraft currently operating in India from the information available.

Software issue linked to second landing attempt

The reported problem does not involve every landing attempt. It is linked to a specific sequence of events involving a missed or unsuccessful first landing attempt.

If the pilot changes the aircraft’s planned route after the first landing attempt and prepares for another approach, the navigation feature can fail to work as intended under the identified circumstances.

The issue has prompted Boeing to work on another software update. Airlines and regulators are also examining the operational implications of the problem.

737 MAX programme began in 2011

The Boeing 737 MAX is a single-aisle passenger aircraft developed by US-based Boeing. The programme was launched in 2011, while the first aircraft entered commercial service in 2017.

The aircraft family was developed as the successor to earlier versions of Boeing’s 737 family and has become one of the company’s major commercial aircraft programmes.

By June 2026, more than 2,300 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft had been delivered worldwide.

Boeing continues assessment as regulators monitor issue

Boeing, airlines and aviation regulators are continuing to assess the software problem. The key questions under examination include how many aircraft have the affected software and what operational measures are required.

For Indian carriers, there is currently no publicly available confirmation that their aircraft are affected by the specific software issue.

The FAA’s involvement means the matter is also being examined by the US aviation regulator alongside Boeing and the affected airlines. Boeing has already begun work on a further software update to resolve the problem.