US regulator warns improperly installed seats could pose safety risks during emergencies
WASHINGTON: The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed mandatory inspections for hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft after identifying concerns that passenger seats on some planes may have been installed incorrectly.
In a notice issued on Monday, the FAA said the proposed directive would affect 453 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft registered in the United States. The agency warned that improperly secured seats could become loose during an emergency landing, potentially causing injuries to passengers and crew.
The regulator also said displaced seats could obstruct aircraft aisles and slow emergency evacuations, increasing safety risks during critical situations.
The proposed order currently applies only to US-registered aircraft because the FAA does not regulate foreign airlines. However, aviation authorities in other countries frequently adopt similar directives when safety issues affect aircraft operating in their jurisdictions.
Boeing supports mandatory inspections
Boeing said it had already issued guidance to aircraft operators on the matter in December 2025.
A company spokesperson told Reuters that Boeing supports the FAA’s decision to make the inspection guidance mandatory, reinforcing existing recommendations issued to airlines.
If approved, airlines operating the affected aircraft will be required to inspect seat installations and correct any deficiencies identified during the process.
Safety concerns remain under scrutiny
The latest proposal comes as Boeing continues to face heightened regulatory scrutiny over aircraft safety.
In January 2024, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 made an emergency landing after a cabin door plug detached during flight. Investigators later found that four key bolts had been missing from the panel.
Subsequent investigations prompted increased oversight of Boeing’s manufacturing and quality control processes. In June 2025, the US National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the company had failed to provide adequate training, guidance and oversight to prevent that incident.
According to aviation intelligence firm IBA, nearly 2,300 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are currently in service worldwide, including approximately 823 registered in the United States. The FAA’s proposal represents another step in ongoing efforts to strengthen aircraft safety and operational standards.
