Indian Regulator Orders Aircraft Inspections Following Alaska Airlines Incident

The Incident and Regulatory Response

India’s aviation regulator has mandated an inspection of all Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft by domestic operators following an incident involving a new Alaska Airlines airplane. The Boeing 737-9 Max, bound for California, had to make an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon, due to a cabin panel blowout. This incident did not result in any injuries or immediate indications of the cause.

India’s Precautionary Measures

Despite Indian air operators not having the Boeing 737-9 Max model, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed a one-time inspection of the emergency exits on all Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft in operation. This decision impacts 65 similar planes, which will return to service only after maintenance and safety inspections. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, and Boeing is also looking into the matter​