A global software glitch in Airbus’s A320-family aircraft has caused widespread operational disruptions, forcing airlines to cancel or delay flights across multiple countries. India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has now confirmed that 338 aircraft operating in the country were impacted by Airbus’s directive mandating an urgent flight-control software upgrade.
The DGCA said that 55% of the identified aircraft have already undergone the necessary software updates, which were prescribed after Airbus and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued emergency instructions to ensure continued safe operations.
The glitch has affected aircraft across the A320ceo and neo series, as well as A321ceo and neo models — all widely used by India’s major carriers, including IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express.
DGCA Issues Mandatory Modification for Indian Operators
In its statement, the DGCA said it issued a Mandatory Modification on November 29, directing airlines to carry out the software update as per Airbus’s Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) and EASA’s Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD).
“The mandatory actions are required for the continued safe operation of the aircraft,” the regulator noted, confirming that upgrades are underway across major airline bases in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata.
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According to internal assessments, as reported by HT, 200 IndiGo aircraft, 113 Air India aircraft, and 25 Air India Express aircraft were initially affected. So far, 113 IndiGo, 42 Air India, and four Air India Express planes have completed the software fix, according to PTI.
Airlines Warn Passengers of Delays and Schedule Changes
Airlines have begun issuing advisories to passengers as the software realignment process continues.
Air India said the upgrades involve a “software/hardware realignment” across part of its fleet, while IndiGo said it is “proactively completing” the mandated modifications and has warned customers of potential delays or last-minute rescheduling.
These disruptions stem from a serious in-flight issue on JetBlue Flight 662 on October 30, where an Airbus A320 experienced an uncommanded pitch-down, injuring several passengers. A preliminary Airbus investigation later identified a possible malfunction in the Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC) system.
Global Ripples as Airlines Rush to Comply
The emergency directive has led to cascading disruptions worldwide, affecting major carriers such as Delta and Jetstar. Indian airlines, with one of the world’s largest A320-family fleets, are among the most impacted, though regulators stress that the accelerated compliance effort is aimed at ensuring full safety assurance.
As airlines work around the clock to complete software fixes at multiple bases, passengers are advised to check flight statuses frequently and expect potential schedule changes over the coming days.
