Airlines worldwide experienced short-term disruptions as they implemented a crucial software fix on the A320 family of aircraft, following an analysis that revealed potential issues linked to a JetBlue incident last month. The incident involved a sudden drop in altitude on a JetBlue flight, prompting investigations into the functioning of flight controls on affected aircraft.
Airbus confirmed on Friday that its examination indicated solar radiation could corrupt vital data for flight controls. This finding led the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to mandate a software update for airlines operating this aircraft family. The directive impacts over 500 U.S.-registered planes.
The EASA mentioned that this situation could lead to "short-term disruption" in flight schedules, citing that the issue was introduced by a prior software update. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury expressed regret to customers, noting that the fix has resulted in "significant logistical challenges and delays." Efforts are underway to ensure the updates are deployed efficiently to restore normal operations.
In the U.S., as Thanksgiving travelers were returning home, several airlines reported cancellations. All Nippon Airways in Japan canceled 65 domestic flights for Saturday, with potential further cancellations on Sunday. American Airlines operates about 480 planes from the A320 family, with 209 requiring the update. The airline reported that the update should take approximately two hours and anticipated minimal operational impact.
On the other hand, Air India reassured that it had made progress, completing the reset on over 40% of its affected aircraft without any cancellations. Delta expected fewer than 50 of its A321neo aircraft to be affected, while United Airlines reported only six planes needing the update, anticipating minor disruption to flights. Hawaiian Airlines confirmed it was unaffected by the software issue.
In Canada, Air Transat communicated that all 23 of its active A321 aircraft had been modified to comply with the airworthiness directive. The adjustments caused minor delays on Friday but no further issues were expected over the weekend. Air Canada noted that very few of its aircraft were operating with the problematic software and did not foresee any operational impact.
Pope Leo XIV's inaugural trip to Turkey and Lebanon also faced the software issue, as his charter flight aboard an ITA Airways Airbus A320neo required an update, with the necessary equipment and technician already in transit to Istanbul.
Meanwhile, in Europe, various countries reported stabilization following software updates. France's Transport Minister confirmed an "almost complete return to normal" in French airports, while British Airways only had three aircraft needing the software update. EasyJet indicated possible schedule changes due to the updates and promised to inform passengers accordingly. Lufthansa reported that most updates had been completed overnight with no expected cancellations but noted minor delays might arise. Scandinavian Airlines SAS confirmed normal operations post-software installation.
Industry expert Mike Stengel remarked that the software fix could typically be implemented between flights or during routine overnight checks. He highlighted the inconvenience of the disruption occurring on such a widespread aircraft model during a peak travel season.
During the aforementioned JetBlue incident on October 30, at least 15 passengers were injured and subsequently hospitalized after the flight, which had originated from Cancun, Mexico, was diverted to Tampa, Florida. The A320 family, produced by Airbus, is one of the best-selling single-aisle aircraft globally, serving as a primary competitor to Boeing's 737 model.
