Boeing has identified a software issue that can affect an automated navigation function on some 737 MAX aircraft in a specific scenario following a missed approach. Operators have been notified, Boeing is working on a permanent fix and the FAA is reviewing the issue.
What we know
The issue was reported on 26 September by The Wall Street Journal and Boeing subsequently confirmed the matter to Reuters. It stems from a cockpit software update and can occur when a flight crew changes the planned flight path after a missed approach. In that configuration, an automated navigation function may become unavailable.
Boeing told operators about the issue in late August and is developing a permanent software change. No fleet-wide grounding has been announced. The FAA is assessing the issue and Boeing’s proposed corrective action.
The information available does not indicate a loss of aircraft control: crews retain manual flying capability and procedures are available. The precise population of affected aircraft and the timetable for the permanent update have yet to be fully detailed publicly.
Why it matters
The issue matters because the 737 MAX is widely operated and remains under close regulatory scrutiny. In August 2026 the FAA certified the 737-7 after a review that included flight controls, human factors and system-safety assessments.
It also comes as the MAX order book continues to grow. On 23 September, Turkish Airlines finalised an order for up to 150 MAX jets. AeroSillage covered the order and its fleet implications.
For passengers, there is no announced broad operational impact at this stage. The immediate question is technical and regulatory: which software configurations are affected, how Boeing’s fix will be validated, and whether regulators require additional instructions for operators.
What to watch
Key next steps are a formal FAA position, the exact scope of affected aircraft and software versions, the deployment schedule for the fix, and any mandatory instructions or temporary procedures issued to operators.
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