Global Aviation Disruption as Airbus Software Issue Grounds Fleet
A significant software problem has forced the grounding of thousands of Airbus planes worldwide, sparking warnings of widespread flight cancellations and disruption for passengers. The issue, which affects the popular A320 family of aircraft, was identified following a serious mid-air incident in October.
The Incident That Revealed the Flaw
Authorities believe the software vulnerability was discovered after a JetBlue flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, experienced a dramatic event. The aircraft suffered a sharp loss of altitude, dropping 100 feet in just seven seconds. This sudden manoeuvre resulted in 15 people being injured, including children, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Florida.
Airbus Identifies Widespread Issue
In an official statement, Airbus confirmed that analysis of the event revealed that intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the aircraft's flight controls. The plane maker stated it had identified a "significant number" of its A320 planes currently in service that may be impacted by this flaw.
An Airbus spokesperson elaborated that the necessary software update could affect as many as 6,000 planes globally. For most aircraft, the required fix is expected to take only 2-3 hours. However, some planes will require new hardware before the software can be installed, leading to a longer grounding period for those specific aircraft.
UK Airlines and Passenger Impact
The issue specifically affects the A319, A320, and A321 models. In the UK, airlines such as EasyJet and Wizz Air are particularly exposed as they operate fleets consisting entirely of Airbus A320 family aircraft.
EasyJet has stated it is expecting "some disruption" and will contact affected customers directly. Wizz Air has warned passengers that some of its flights over the weekend may be affected, confirming it has immediately scheduled the necessary maintenance.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has advised that the directive is likely to mean some disruption and cancellations. Tim Johnson, Policy Director at the CAA, told Sky News that this is a "precautionary approach" and that airlines are already planning to implement the changes over the coming days.
Global Regulatory Response
Airbus has proactively asked the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the main certifying authority for the A320 family, to issue an Airworthiness Directive. EASA issued the instruction on Friday night as a precautionary action.
The agency stated that from Sunday onwards, airlines must either update the software on these aircraft or keep them on the ground. The impact is being felt worldwide, with Colombian airline Avianca going so far as to close ticket sales for 10 days due to the issue.
Advice for Affected Passengers
Passengers are strongly advised to check their airline's website or mobile app for the latest information on flight status. The CAA emphasises that airlines have a duty of care to look after passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled, and information on passenger rights is available on the CAA website.
Giancarlo Buono, director of Aviation Safety at the UK CAA, said: "We appreciate the disruption this may cause to some people flying over the coming days. Passengers should check with their airline whether their flights are affected."
