European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has announced that an urgent software and hardware update is required for a significant portion of A320 aircraft following findings that intense solar radiation may corrupt flight control data. The precautionary measure is expected to affect around 6,000 aircraft worldwide.
In a written statement issued by Airbus, it was noted that a recent incident analysis involving an A320 family aircraft revealed that solar radiation could corrupt critical data in flight control systems. In this context, the company stated that many A320 aircraft in service could be at risk.
Airbus issued an Operator Information Transmission (AOT) to all operators globally to ensure flight safety within the fleet. It was announced that the notification will be formalised under the Emergency Airworthiness Directive to be issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The statement included the following remarks:
“Airbus acknowledges that the measures taken may lead to operational disruptions for passengers and customers. We apologise for the inconvenience. While maintaining safety as our top priority, we will continue to manage the process in close cooperation with operators.”
Emergency Directive from EASA Following JetBlue Incident
The Cologne-based European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) also issued a brief statement, noting that the Emergency Airworthiness Directive for the A320 family was prepared following the incident that occurred on JetBlue’s flight 1230 on 30 October 2025.
In its statement, EASA noted that the directive aims to address the sensitivity arising from a software update made in one of the onboard computers, adding: “These measures may cause short-term disruptions to flight schedules, but in aviation, safety comes above all else.”
Back-to-Back Statements from Turkish Airlines
Pegasus: “Necessary procedures have been initiated”
Pegasus Airlines announced that necessary safety procedures have been initiated for the A320 family aircraft in its fleet under the Operator Information Transmission issued by Airbus.
The statement said, “We are conducting the process swiftly in coordination with EASA and Airbus. We are working to minimise the impact on our operations and our guests.”
AJet: 7 A320 aircraft temporarily withdrawn from service
AJet announced that 7 A320 aircraft in its fleet have been temporarily withdrawn from service following Airbus’s global alert. It was noted that the aircraft will return to operations once the necessary procedures have been completed.
THY: 8 aircraft included, procedures ongoing
Turkish Airlines (THY) Communications Director Yahya Üstün stated that eight A320 aircraft in the THY fleet are under assessment within the scope of the Operator Information Transmission.
Üstün said, “Once the procedures required by the relevant instructions are completed, our aircraft will safely return to service.”
