The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 MAX jets for cracks in the aircraft's fuselage, warning that undetected damage could compromise structural integrity.

The logo for US plane maker Boeing is pictured on the second day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 in Farnborough, south-west of London, on July 21, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

In an Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued Thursday, the FAA said the order applies to certain Boeing 737 MAX 8, MAX 9 and MAX 8-200 airplanes and affects an estimated 471 U.S.-registered aircraft.

The directive, which takes effect on Sept. 10, was prompted by reports of cracks in the bear strap at the forward upper corner of the forward galley door cutout, according to the FAA.

"The FAA is issuing this AD to address cracks in the fuselage skin and bear strap, which may lead to the inability of the principal structural element to sustain limit loads and adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane," it said.

Boeing said it has conducted an engineering analysis to determine the cause of the cracks and is working on engineering changes to prevent it in the future, according to media reports.