India, Aug. 10 -- The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered inspections of hundreds of Boeing 737 Max jets after cracks were discovered in a structural reinforcement near one of the aircraft's doorways, warning that undetected damage could compromise the plane's structural integrity.

The new airworthiness directive, issued on Thursday and taking effect on 10 September, applies to an estimated 471 US-registered Boeing 737 Max 8, Max 9 and Max 8-200 aircraft, and covers 1,429 planes worldwide, according to CBS News. The FAA said cracks had been found on some older-generation planes in a structural reinforcement, known as a bear strap, around the forward service door on the right side of the aircraft, next to the front galley.

Boeing...