Flight operations across India, particularly those run by IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express, are expected to face disruptions as they urgently address a possible flight control issue in their Airbus A320 family aircraft. This mandatory action follows a recent incident where a JetBlue-operated Airbus A320 flight from Mexico experienced a sudden drop in altitude, injuring 15 passengers and forcing an emergency landing in Florida.
Airbus SE issued a warning that over half of its active A320 family jetliners worldwide require a software fix. Sources indicate that India, which operates around 560 A320 family aircraft, has more than 200 planes that will need software changes or, in some cases, hardware adjustments. Because these planes must be grounded for the adjustments, operational disruptions, including potential delays and cancellations, are anticipated across the domestic sector.
The advisory was prompted by the JetBlue incident, which suggested that “intense solar radiation” could potentially corrupt data used to maintain flight controls. The required software update applies to over 6,500 jets globally and must be implemented before an aircraft’s next regular flight. India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a directive ordering all A320 family operators to ensure flights comply with the mandatory modifications.
Indian carriers have confirmed the impact:
- IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, stated it is working closely with Airbus to implement the fix and is making every effort to minimize disruptions.
- Air India Express has initiated immediate precautionary action, noting that the guidance may result in adjustments to flight operations, including potential delays or cancellations.
- Air India clarified that while they have not had any cancellations directly due to this task, some flights may be slightly delayed or rescheduled as they perform the mandatory realignment.
The A320 family, which includes A319s, A320 ceos and neos, and A321 ceos and neos, is a key competitor to the Boeing 737 and forms the backbone of civil aviation fleets globally.