Worldwide Flight Disruptions Begin
Airbus grounds thousands of planes after discovering intense solar radiation can disrupt flight control computers, causing delays worldwide. Around 6,000 A320-family jets are affected, representing half of Airbus’ global fleet. Most aircraft can return to service after a three-hour software update. The UK aviation regulator warns of flight delays and cancellations, though airports report limited disruption so far.
October Incident Prompts Safety Investigation
Airbus identifies the problem after investigating an October event in which a plane flying between the US and Mexico suddenly lost altitude. The JetBlue aircraft makes an emergency landing in Florida after at least 15 passengers are injured. The flaw also affects the A318, A319, and A321 models.
Software Updates and Computer Replacements Underway
About 5,100 jets require a software update. Another 900 older planes need full computer replacements and cannot carry passengers until the work is complete. Timelines depend on replacement system availability. Airbus apologises for operational disruption affecting passengers and airlines.
Airports Report Varying Levels of Impact
An aviation analyst calls the situation highly unusual and says passenger disruption depends on each airline’s upgrade approach. Gatwick reports minor delays, Heathrow has no cancellations, and Manchester Airport expects minimal impact. British Airways faces limited disruption, while Wizz Air and Air India already began updates.
Airlines Act Quickly to Reduce Delays
Data shows Air France faces the largest disruption, with about 50 cancelled flights from its Paris hub on Saturday morning, according to travel experts. EasyJet expects some delays but says many aircraft already received updates and plans a full Saturday schedule. In the US, the problem emerges during the busy Thanksgiving travel period. American Airlines reports 340 affected planes and expects some delays but aims to complete most updates by Saturday. Delta predicts limited disruption.
Australian Flights Also Cancelled
Jetstar cancels 90 flights after confirming that about one third of its fleet is affected. Disruption is expected to continue through the weekend despite most jets already undergoing updates. A senior UK Civil Aviation Authority official warns of potential delays and cancellations but stresses aviation remains extremely safe. He calls the grounding a very rare event.
Officials Applaud Rapid Industry Response
The UK transport secretary says the impact on British airlines appears limited. She welcomes the swift global reaction and highlights strong international aviation safety standards.
Radiation Corrupts Critical Elevation Software
The flaw affects software that calculates aircraft altitude. Airbus finds that intense solar radiation at high altitudes can corrupt this data. The October incident was the only known occurrence. The European aviation regulator issues an emergency directive requiring all affected planes to receive updates before carrying passengers. Aircraft may operate ferry flights without passengers to reach maintenance bases.
Fly-By-Wire Systems Require Reliable Software
The A320 family uses fly-by-wire controls where pilot commands pass through computers instead of mechanical links. Accurate software is crucial for safe flight operations.
