Aviation Safety: Hundreds of flights could be affected as Airbus mandates software fix after incident

*Airbus, world’s leading European plane maker, discloses the issue emerged following a recent incident, and acknowledged the fix would cause operational disruptions across fleets worldwide

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Airbus, world’s leading aircraft manufacturer, has ordered urgent software change for a “significant number” of its best-selling A320-family jets after determining that intense solar radiation can corrupt data used by critical flight-control systems.

ConsumerConnect gathered that a recent intense solar radiation incident corrupted flight-data modification needed immediately.

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The European aircraft maker said the issue emerged following an incident, and acknowledged the fix would cause operational disruptions across global fleets.

Incidentally, at the time of Airbus’s announcement, roughly 3,000 A320-family jets were airborne worldwide, agency report said.

A bulletin sent to airlines also indicated the software change must be completed before each affected aircraft’s next routine flight, Reuters report said.

The development has raised the possibility of widespread cancellations and delays across the globe.

The timing, report stated, coincides with one of the busiest United States (US) and international travel weekends of the year.

It was further learnt that the particular incident tied to sudden altitude drop on JetBlue flight.

Industry sources have attributed the unexpected recall to an October 30 JetBlue flight from Cancun to Newark, in the US, that experienced a sudden, uncommanded loss of altitude.

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Subsequently, several passengers abroad were reportedly injured during the drop.

The crew, however, diverted Flight 1230 to Tampa, where the aircraft landed safely, according to report.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since opened an investigation into the event.

What did aviation regulators say?

Though JetBlue and the FAA declined immediate comment, aviation regulators are preparing an emergency order, report said.

Airbus affirmed the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is preparing an emergency directive requiring airlines to install the fix.

For roughly two-thirds of the affected jets, the repair involves reverting to an earlier version of the flight-control software—a process expected to take about two hours, according to industry officials.

Significant strain on global aircraft maintenance capacity

As a far-reaching effect of the repair process, it is noted that even a short grounding is expected to add pressure to already-strained airline repair operations.

Besides, aircraft maintenance facilities are coping with labour shortages, limited capacity, and a backlog caused by hundreds of Airbus aircraft already sidelined for unrelated engine inspections and repairs, report said.

Hundreds of aircraft may also require hardware changes rather than software alone, which could result in much longer delays.

Airlines begin identifying affected aircraft

American Airlines and Hungary-based Wizz Air said they had already determined which jets in their fleets would need the mandatory software change.

United Airlines, nonetheless, said its fleet was not affected.

Acknowledging the potential for significant passenger disruption, Airbus agreed the fix is necessary to ensure safe operation across the global fleet.

What air travellers should do

If your flight is disrupted

If you’re notified of a delay or cancellation, check your airline’s app immediately.

Most carriers rebook automatically, but better options may be available if you act quickly.

Look for partner-airline transfers. Many airlines have interline agreements that allow rebooking on other carriers during widespread disruptions.

Confirm whether the aircraft issue is safety-related. While the Airbus directive is precautionary, airlines may offer more flexible rebooking if safety maintenance is required.

Know your rights

U.S. passengers: There are no federal compensation rules for delays, but you are entitled to a refund if your flight is canceled or significantly changed and you choose not to travel.

For EU passengers

Under EU261, travellers flying from the EU or on EU carriers may be eligible for compensation if the disruption is not classified as an “extraordinary circumstance.”

Airlines may argue the emergency directive qualifies as extraordinary, but refunds and rebooking rights still apply.

Hotel and meal coverage: Some airlines provide vouchers during maintenance-related overnight delays—ask, even if it’s not automatically offered.

If you’re stuck during a connection

Go directly to an airline agent, not just customer service lines. Agents at smaller gates often have shorter queues.

Use alternative airports. Ask whether rebooking through nearby airports (Baltimore instead of D.C., Providence instead of Boston, etc.) could get you moving faster.

Track your bags. If rebooked, confirm your checked bags are retagged properly; many delays result in stranded luggage.

If your travel is time-sensitive

Ask for “endorsements.” Airlines can authorize another carrier to honor your ticket at no extra charge.

Consider refund + rebook.

Sometimes buying a new ticket, even on a different airline or airport, may be faster than waiting for operational recovery.

Document all expenses. Keep receipts for hotels, meals, rideshares—these may help with reimbursement or travel insurance claims.

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