PASSENGERS have been warned of travel chaos after Airbus identified a “significant number” of planes have been impacted by a software issue.
It is understood up to 6,000 planes that Brits use to jet away on holiday may be affected.
Airbus identified a ‘significant number’ of planes have been impacted by a software issueCredit: Alamy
The Airbus A320 family, which includes the A319 and A321, is now the world’s most popular shorthaul plane, taking over from the Boeing 737.
In a statement, the plane maker said: “Analysis of a recent event involving an A320 Family aircraft has revealed that intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls.
“Airbus has consequently identified a significant number of A320 Family aircraft currently in-service which may be impacted.”
The UK Civil Aviation Authority confirmed disruption and cancellations are likely.
Giancarlo Buono, director of aviation safety at CAA, added: “We have been made aware of an issue that may affect some of the A320 family of aircraft and the precautionary action that EASA has taken.
“Passengers should check with their airline whether their flights are affected. Airlines have a duty of care to look after passengers when a flight is delayed.”
It is understood the issue was identified after an incident involving a JetBlue flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, on October 30.
Several passengers were hurt after a sudden loss of altitude during the ordeal.
The problem arises due to intense solar and cosmic radiation at high altitudes which negatively impact the ELAC computer.
This is responsible for operating the elevators and ailerons, which make the aircraft pitch up or down or roll to turn.
Wizz Air already confirmed some of its aircraft are among those that need updating.
A spokesperson for the airline said: “Wizz Air confirms that some of its aircraft are among the more than 6,500 Airbus A320 family aircraft worldwide that require a software update, as recently identified by the aircraft manufacturer.
“Wizz Air has already immediately scheduled the necessary maintenance to ensure full compliance with the identified mitigation.
“As a result, some flights over the weekend may be affected. Passengers who booked directly with Wizz Air via the website or mobile app will be notified of any schedule changes.
“The safety of our customers, crew, and aircraft is always our number one and overriding priority. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by circumstances outside of our direct control.”
British Airways is understood not be be majorly impacted by the issue, with only three aircraft affected.
A spokesperson for easyJet said: “As we are expecting this to result in some disruption, we will inform customers directly about any changes to our flying programme tomorrow and will do all possible to minimise the impact.
“Safety is our highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with manufacturers guidelines.”
Meanwhile Air India confirmed there could be delays.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) has issued an “emergency airworthiness directive”, effective from 11.59pm on Saturday November 29.
Easa’s directive says: “An Airbus A320 aeroplane recently experienced an uncommanded and limited pitch down event.
“The autopilot remained engaged throughout the event, with a brief and limited loss of altitude.
“Preliminary technical assessment done by Airbus identified a malfunction of the affected Elac as possible contributing factor.
“This condition, if not corrected, could lead in the worst-case scenario to an uncommanded elevator movement that may result in exceeding the aircraft’s structural capability.”
A senior UK aviation source told the Independent : “It’s a serious issue but one which looks to be tackled very rapidly, and that in turn will exacerbate disruption to passengers.
“It’s a reminder that where passengers can take safety for granted, everyone in the aviation industry cannot and this is one of those rare occasions where decisive action is clearly needed to protect safety.”
Passengers have been warned of travel chaosCredit: Alamy
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