Software Fault Hits Thousands of Airbus A320 Aircraft, UK Travellers Warned of Possible Delays
Airbus orders global updates after a JetBlue flight suffered an unexpected altitude drop
Air passengers in the UK and around the world may face disruption in the coming days as Airbus rolls out a mandatory software fix for its A320 fleet, affecting roughly 6,000 aircraft globally. The update follows a serious incident in which an A320 unexpectedly lost altitude during a commercial flight late last month.
What prompted Airbus to issue the safety alert?
The directive was triggered by an event involving a JetBlue A320 flying from Cancun to Newark on 30 October 2025. During the journey, the aircraft pitched downward without any pilot command, prompting an immediate diversion to Tampa.
Investigators from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that the sudden drop likely occurred during a switch change related to the ELAC system — the electronic computer that manages the aircraft’s elevator and aileron controls. This computer plays a crucial role in maintaining stable flight.
Following the discovery, Airbus issued a worldwide notice requiring operators to perform a software update to address the risk. The company said the directive was precautionary but essential to ensure safe operations across the A320 family.
What this means for passengers
Airlines operating A320-family aircraft must complete the software change before returning planes to normal service. With thousands of jets affected, carriers—including those flying to and from the UK—have warned customers of delays, rescheduled flights, and last-minute adjustments.
While newer aircraft can receive the update quickly, older models may require additional checks, extending the time they remain grounded.
Passengers are being advised to:
- Check flight status regularly
- Monitor airline alerts
- Allow extra travel time to airports
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