Alaska Airlines had to cancel more than 200 flights following an order from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). On Sunday, the airline scrapped 170 flights, and an additional 60 flights were canceled on Monday. This decision came after the FAA instructed the grounding of 171 Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes for inspections.

The airline informed that these cancellations would persist until the first half of the week. Almost 25,000 passengers were impacted by the cancellations on Sunday, stated the Seattle-based carrier, which operates a fleet of 65 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft.

The FAA's directive came after an incident involving an Alaska Airlines jet that was only eight weeks old. This jet was compelled to make an emergency landing due to a gap in the fuselage after takeoff from Portland, Oregon, while en route to Ontario, California.

The detachment of a door plug on the left side of the jet during takeoff led to this emergency situation. As a result, the pilots decided to return and landed safely, ensuring the security of all 171 passengers and six crew members on board.

The FAA stated on Sunday that the affected 737 MAX 9 jets would remain grounded until they meet the safety standards set by the agency. They emphasized the importance of ensuring the aircraft's safety before resuming operations.

Air India's Airbus A350 Takes Off: Domestic Bookings Open, Operations Begin Jan 22, 2024

delhis airline services affected due to dense fog many trains also delayed