MEXICO CITY.- Airlines from different countries reported interruptions and operational adjustments after detecting a software failure of the Airbus A320 family of aircraftone of the most used models on commercial routes.
Short-term interruptions began to be detected yesterday, Friday, which are expected to continue over the weekend, while software corrections are carried out.
Flight from Cancun to the United States set off alerts
The incident originated after the analysis of the JetBlue case on October 30, when an aircraft that took off from Cancun, Quintana Roo experienced a sudden drop in altitude attributed to corrupted data in the flight controls.
Airbus reported that “intense solar radiation” could alter essential information in the flight computers, following a previous software update.
The flight that was heading to Newark, New Jersey He had to make an emergency landing in Tampa, Florida.
Both the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the European Union Agency for Aviation Safety (EASA) issued mandatory guidelines for airlines to install a corrective patch.
More than 500 aircraft registered in the United States are due to receive the update. Guillaume FauryCEO of Airbus, apologized for the effects: “Our teams are working day and night… with the safety guarantee they expect from Airbus”.
The adjustment represents “short-term interruptions,” according to the EASAwhile companies reschedule flights and carry out the necessary installations. The process takes around two hours per aircraft.
Affects in the United States, Europe and Asia due to the A320 update
The update that takes place this Saturday, November 29, causes effects, so far slight and short, on flights around the world.
American Airlinesin USAreported that 209 of its planes were affected, although on Saturday only four were still pending updating.
In Japan, All Nippon Airways canceled 65 flights and warned of new possible effects.
Delta indicated that fewer than 50 of its A321neos required intervention; United He noted only six cases and estimated “minor interruptions.” Hawaiian Airlines confirmed not to be affected.
In Europaauthorities of France y United Kingdom They noted that the situation was stabilizing with an “almost complete return to normality.”
Lufthansa completed most of the updates between Friday and Saturday, while British Airways y EasyJet They recognized minor adjustments in itineraries. SAS reported normal operations after working overnight.
He Vatican also reported that the Airbus A320neo used by him Pope Leo XIV required the update. The spokesperson Matteo Bruni He indicated that technicians would travel to Istanbul to install the necessary component before the next leg towards Beirut.
Airbus A320 failure in Mexico: Volaris and VivaAerobus warn of delays and cancellations
In Mexicoairlines Volaris y VivaAerobus They confirmed impacts due to the mandatory update.
Both companies concentrate 67% of national and international passengers, according to figures from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC).
Volaris, the airline with the largest number of users in the country, reported that it will make cancellations and delays during the weekend.
“Most upgrades will be completed between Saturday and Sunday, resulting in cancellations and delays… over the next 48 to 72 hours“said the company that heads Enrique Beltranena.
VivaAerobus also recognized operational adjustments derived from the Airworthiness Directive issued by the EASAwhich requires all airlines to complete the update on affected A320 models.
Airbus notified Mexican and foreign operators that the correction is a priority.
Federal authorities, for their part, asked users to remain attentive to airline notices and check the status of their flights before going to airports.
What is the Airbus A320?
The Airbus A320 is a family of single-aisle aircraft considered the best-selling in the world, according to the European manufacturer.
Compete directly with Boeing 737 and is widely used on national and international flights due to its efficiency and average capacity.
Introduced in 1988, the model has evolved with updated versions, including the A320neo—used by airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, Volaris and Viva—that incorporates more efficient engines and aerodynamic improvements.
Airbus, based in France, is one of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers along with Boeing.
The A320 stands out for its system fly-by-wirewhich automates much of the flight control functions. This same characteristic makes software updates critical to maintaining the safety and proper operation of the aircraft.
With information from AP, EFE, The Universal y The Financier