India’s busiest airlines are bracing for operational disruptions after Airbus SE alerted global carriers about a potential software issue in its A320 jetliner family. The advisory comes in the wake of a recent mid-air incident on a JetBlue-operated Airbus A320, where 15 passengers were injured following a sudden altitude drop during a flight from Mexico, prompting an emergency landing in Florida.
Airlines begin precautionary checks
Airbus has stated that more than half of its active A320 family fleet requires a software update, citing that “intense solar radiation” may corrupt data used in flight-control systems. According to PTI, Indian operators collectively fly around 560 A320 family aircraft, and over 200 planes will need either software fixes or hardware adjustments.
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IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, said it is “aware of the notice issued by Airbus regarding the A320 family aircraft” and has begun necessary inspections.
“We are working closely with Airbus to ensure implementation as per Airbus notification. While we carry out the necessary inspections, we are making every effort to minimise disruptions,” the airline said.
Air India Express also confirmed precautionary action. “We have initiated immediate action in response to an alert requiring a software fix on the Airbus A320 fleet… this may result in adjustments to flight operations, including potential delays or cancellations,” it said.
Air India added that, so far, there have been no cancellations, but slight delays or schedule changes could occur as mandatory updates are carried out.
“Our colleagues on ground are there to assist passengers,” the airline said.
What's the impact on flight schedules?
With several A320 family aircraft temporarily grounded for checks, intermittent delays are expected across Indian carriers. The A320 lineup with A319s, A320 ceos and neos, A321 ceos and neos, forms the backbone of domestic aviation, making the ripple effect likely to be felt across multiple routes.
Airbus noted that more than 6,500 jets worldwide may be affected. The update, it said, must be installed before an aircraft’s next scheduled flight.
The A320 which is a key rival to Boeing’s 737 series is one of the most widely used commercial aircraft globally.
DGCA issues directive
Following Airbus’s notice, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) instructed operators of Airbus A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft to ensure compliance with all mandatory modifications before flights are dispatched.
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“This is to be ensured that no person shall operate the product which falls under the applicability of this Mandatory Modification except those which are in accordance with the compliance to requirement,” the DGCA said in its official communication.
Airlines have been asked to confirm adherence as per procedures listed in the Airworthiness Procedure Manual.
