Washington, D.C. | November 28, 2025 :
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officially cleared the Boeing 737 MAX 9 fleet for a return to service on November 28, 2025, following rigorous door plug inspections that addressed safety lapses linked to the January 2024 Alaska Airlines blowout. The approval covers 171 grounded jets, all of which completed enhanced bolt checks, structural verifications, and updated software protocols.
Major carriers including United Airlines and Alaska Airlines will resume commercial operations starting November 29, marking the end of months of disruptions. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker confirmed the decision after verifying 100% compliance across the affected aircraft.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg issued a public apology, acknowledging manufacturing lapses and committing $1 billion to long-term safety improvements. Investigations led by NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy uncovered missing bolts on 58 aircraft, raising concerns about Boeing’s production oversight.
The grounding of 65 jets earlier this year cost airlines nearly $500 million. The FAA’s move comes after imposing a $243.6 million fine on Boeing for failures tied to earlier MAX crashes.
As of 11:00 AM EST, Boeing shares rose 4%, signaling renewed investor confidence ahead of the peak holiday travel season, which anticipates 3 million daily passengers. However, lawmakers including Sen. Maria Cantwell continue to push for stronger whistleblower protections amid allegations of rushed assembly lines.
With over 400 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft operating globally, the FAA’s clearance is expected to alleviate supply chain pressure and stabilize airline capacity worldwide.
