The US aviation regulator on Sunday said 171 Boeing 737 Max 9 planes will remain grounded until it is satisfied with the safety of the flights.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently inspecting the jets after a part of an Alaska Airlines plane's fuselage fell off on Friday (January 5, 2024), triggering panic mid-air.

The FAA said its first priority was "keeping the flying public safe", reported BBC.

"We have grounded the affected airplanes, and they will remain grounded until the FAA is satisfied that they are safe," the FAA said in a statement as quoted by the British media.

Thousands of passengers found their flights were cancelled after major US airlines grounded dozes of jets following the mid-air incident.

Oregon mid-flight blowout

A passenger airline made an emergency landing in the US state of Oregon on Friday (January 5, 2023) after a section of its fuselage blew open mid-air.

The Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 returned to Portland 35 minutes into its flight to California after an outer section, including a window, fell, reported BBC.

The airline major said the aircraft landed safely back at Portland International Airport with 171 guests and 6 crew members.