A global safety bulletin from Airbus regarding its A320 family aircraft has put Indian airlines on high alert, with significant flight delays anticipated. The manufacturer has identified a potential vulnerability where intense solar radiation could affect essential flight control systems. This necessitates urgent inspections and updates for a considerable number of Airbus A320s operating in India. With India operating approximately 560 A320-family jets, it’s estimated that between 200 and 250 aircraft may need new software or minor hardware fixes. These mandatory procedures will likely result in temporary aircraft downtime, impacting flight schedules nationwide. IndiGo, a major operator, has confirmed it is addressing the issue and advised customers to expect minor schedule adjustments. Air India Express also foresees potential delays and cancellations, even though a majority of its fleet might not be directly affected. Air India has indicated that its A320 fleet will undergo necessary technical adjustments, potentially extending aircraft turnaround times and causing disruptions. Airbus has prioritized passenger safety, pledging comprehensive support to airlines as they implement the required modifications. The concern was heightened after an incident involving an A320 experiencing an unexpected downward movement, linked to a malfunction in the critical ELAC computer. Consequently, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency has issued an emergency directive for airlines to update these systems before further flights.
