IndiGo, Air India, AI Express Brace for Delays as Airbus Flags Serious A320 Safety Issue

Airlines across India are preparing for possible flight delays and cancellations after Airbus issued an urgent warning about a safety risk affecting the A320-family aircraft. According to the manufacturer, intense solar radiation could interfere with a crucial flight-control computer, prompting immediate inspections and system updates worldwide.

India operates around 560 A320-family jets, the backbone of domestic aviation. Of these, an estimated 200–250 aircraft may require mandatory software updates or minor hardware modifications, raising concerns of large-scale operational disruption in the coming weeks.

Why the Airbus Warning Matters

Airbus and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) revealed that strong solar radiation may impact the performance of the ELAC (Elevator Aileron Computer)—a vital system responsible for controlling the aircraft’s elevator and aileron movements.

EASA said failure to correct this issue could lead to uncommanded elevator movements, which may put structural stress on the aircraft under certain flight conditions. The warning came after an international A320 flight experienced a sudden and unexplained nose-down pitch linked to the ELAC malfunction.

Following this, EASA issued an emergency airworthiness directive, requiring airlines to inspect and update affected aircraft before further flights.

Impact on Indian Airlines

With India being one of the world’s largest markets for A320-family jets, the alert has triggered swift action:

IndiGo

IndiGo, the largest A320 operator in India, confirmed it is working with Airbus to implement the necessary updates. The airline said passengers may notice “minor schedule changes” but stressed that safety remains its highest priority.

Air India Express

AI Express said it has initiated precautionary checks even though only a small part of its fleet is affected. Some delays and cancellations may still occur as the airline adjusts rotations and aircraft availability.

Air India

Air India confirmed that specific A320-family aircraft in its fleet will undergo software and hardware realignment, which may slow down turnaround times and temporarily increase delays on domestic routes.

Airbus Responds: ‘Safety First’

Airbus acknowledged that a significant number of A320 jets globally may require inspections and updates. The manufacturer apologised for the inconvenience but emphasised that passenger safety overrides operational disruption.

The company is working with airlines and aviation authorities to ensure fixes are implemented quickly so that aircraft can return to full service as soon as possible.

What Happens If the Issue Is Not Fixed?

According to EASA, ignoring the problem could result in:

• Unexpected elevator movements
• Reduced aircraft stability in certain conditions
• Increased structural stress, particularly during turbulence

These risks prompted the emergency directive requiring airlines to install newer, safer ELAC units before flying affected aircraft again.

What’s Next for Passengers?

Travellers flying in early December may face:

• Slightly longer flight turnaround times
• Occasional delays
• Possible cancellations on busy domestic routes

Airlines have begun issuing advisories and will provide real-time updates on schedules.

A Wider Aviation Challenge

This incident highlights how modern aircraft, heavily dependent on sophisticated electronics, can be vulnerable to unexpected natural phenomena such as solar radiation. With solar activity expected to peak in the coming months, aviation regulators worldwide are closely monitoring the situation.