FAA says Boeing 737 Max software glitch not a safety issue

FAA finds 737 Max software glitch not a safety issue

The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Friday, 2 October 2026, that a software irregularity discovered on some Boeing 737 MAX aircraft does not constitute a flight‑safety problem. The statement came after the agency’s Corrective Action Review Board completed a “thorough review” of the issue.

What the glitch entails

Boeing first flagged the problem in September, saying it could appear after a missed approach when the flight crew changes a pre‑programmed descent path. In that scenario the aircraft’s flight‑control computers may provide guidance that requires pilots to take extra steps to engage automated tools on subsequent approaches. The glitch is limited to the flight‑computer software that supports certain landing procedures; it does not affect the aircraft’s core control surfaces.

How the FAA reached its decision

According to the FAA, the board of experts—comprising specialists in airframes, flight controls, propulsion and flight testing—concluded that pilots retain full control of the airplane and that the cockpit indications remain “clear and unambiguous.” Because the crew can recognise the condition and respond without loss of control, the agency said the issue does not pose a safety‑of‑flight risk. The FAA added that it will publish a special bulletin outlining how airlines should recognise and address the glitch if it occurs.

Impact on 737 Max 10 certification

The ruling removes a major regulatory hurdle for the 737 MAX 10, the largest and final member of the MAX family awaiting full certification. Boeing had hoped to secure approval for the MAX 10 in early fall, and the FAA’s finding keeps that timetable intact. The agency previously approved the smaller MAX 7 in August, signalling that the entire family is moving through the certification pipeline.

Airline reactions

U.S. carriers said the glitch will not affect their operations because they can revert to earlier software versions that do not exhibit the anomaly. Alaska Airlines and Ryanair—both slated to receive the MAX 10—publicly down‑played any certification delay, stating they remain confident in Boeing’s timeline.

The FAA’s determination also steadied market sentiment. Boeing shares rose modestly after the announcement, and analysts noted that clearing the software issue reduces uncertainty around the MAX 10’s delivery schedule.

What comes next

The agency said it will continue to monitor the situation and take “appropriate action” should new information emerge. For now, airlines can expect the forthcoming bulletin and can continue flight‑testing the MAX 10 without pausing for a safety‑of‑flight review.