Airbus on Friday ordered airlines to install an immediate software update on thousands of A320-family jets after investigators found a bug that could affect flight-control systems during periods of intense solar radiation. Airbus said analysis of a recent incident showed that “intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls.”
The directive follows a JetBlue A320 flight from Cancun to Newark on Oct. 30 that experienced a sudden altitude drop and left 15 people injured. About 6,000 A320-family aircraft worldwide are in scope for the update — roughly half the global fleet of the type. Data firm Cirium lists 1,622 A320-family jets with U.S. operators, though not every one is subject to the immediate fix.
Airlines said the remedy is a software update that takes about two hours to install, which limited expected disruption ahead of a busy post-Thanksgiving travel period. A person familiar with the situation described expected passenger impact as “minimal.”
American Airlines, the largest U.S. A320-family operator, reported 209 affected aircraft out of 475 in service. By 7 p.m. ET, fewer than 150 remained awaiting the update, and the carrier expected most installations to be finished by Saturday morning. American emphasized safety and thanked customers for their patience.
Delta Air Lines, which has 305 A320-family jets in service, said fewer than 50 A321neo aircraft required the update and planned to complete installations by Saturday morning, predicting only limited operational effects. United Airlines, with 201 A320-family planes, said just six aircraft needed the fix and did not expect schedule disruptions. JetBlue, which operates about 220 A320-family jets, did not immediately comment.
Some carriers outside the U.S. faced broader impacts. Colombia’s Avianca said more than 70% of its fleet was affected and temporarily suspended ticket sales through Dec. 8.
Travelers should check their airline’s app or website for the latest flight status and follow carrier communications for updates as airlines complete the required installations.