Boeing identified a flight guidance glitch affecting Indian airlines
Boeing recently identified a software bug in its 737 MAX aircraft that causes automated flight guidance to shut down during specific landing scenarios. This technical flaw directly concerns 96 planes currently active within Indian airline fleets. Air India Express manages 53 of these specific jets, while Akasa Air flies the remaining 43.
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Navigating flight guidance issues
Flight guidance systems face potential disengagement when pilots alter their planned route after an initial missed landing approach. Documents indicate the glitch stems from a recent cockpit software update. Boeing notified all operators about this reduction in automation last month to ensure crew readiness. The manufacturer advised flight crews to manually reset the automated system following any missed approach. Pilots retain full capability to fly the aircraft manually throughout these situations. Software engineers at Boeing are actively developing a permanent update to eliminate the defect entirely.
Indian Carrier safety measures
Akasa Air confirmed active coordination with Boeing regarding the technical flaw. Representatives stated that this autopilot bug creates zero impact on their daily flight safety. Operations continue safely while adhering to standard regulatory protocols. Air India Express has not yet released an official statement regarding their fleet management. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has also refrained from issuing immediate advisories to domestic operators.
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Global and domestic oversight
Global aviation watchdogs keep Boeing under strict observation due to historical safety failures, including two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 that grounded the entire fleet. The company faced additional pressure in January 2024 when a door plug detached during an active flight. Indian aviation authorities significantly increased local inspections following a tragic Boeing 787-8 crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025. Another incident in February saw an Air India Dreamliner grounded over fuel-control switch malfunctions, though authorities found no permanent defects. Major American carriers like Southwest and United Airlines have since requested Boeing to deliver new jets utilizing older, stable software versions. Globally, Boeing maintains a vast delivery record of over 2,400 737 MAX jets to airlines.
