The issue, linked to solar-radiation–induced data corruption in the Elevator Aileron Computer, could cause uncommanded flight-surface movements if not corrected immediately.
BY PC Bureau
November 29, 2025: India’s largest airlines — IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express — are bracing for significant operational disruptions after Airbus flagged a potential flight-control vulnerability in a large number of A320 family aircraft. According to sources, 200–250 aircraft in India alone may need urgent software or hardware corrections, leading to groundings and delays over the coming days.
The issue stems from Airbus’ discovery that intense solar radiation can corrupt data critical to the aircraft’s flight-control systems in certain A320 family jets. The aircraft maker has asked global operators to carry out mandatory fixes, warning that the updates will cause widespread schedule disruptions. Worldwide, nearly 6,000 active A320 aircraft may require upgrades.
#A320Grouding@DGCAIndia issues a “most urgent Mandatory Modifications” order for @Airbus A320 operators, primarily @IndiGo6E & @airindia group https://t.co/W1ZLpV28m4 pic.twitter.com/YhL2e3dDBk
— Saurabh Sinha (@27saurabhsinha) November 29, 2025
Large share of India’s fleet affected
India operates roughly 560 A320 family aircraft, forming the backbone of the country’s domestic aviation network. With nearly half needing corrective action, airlines will face inevitable cancellations, delays, and extended ground time.
Most of the affected planes require an update or replacement of the Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC), which controls crucial flight surfaces. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive, instructing operators to install a “serviceable ELAC” before the aircraft’s next flight.
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Preliminary analysis by Airbus followed a recent incident where an A320 aircraft experienced a sudden, unintended pitch-down movement mid-flight. Though the autopilot remained engaged and the flight landed safely, the investigation traced the anomaly to a malfunctioning ELAC — potentially triggered by solar-radiation–induced data corruption.
EASA warned that if left uncorrected, the malfunction could, in extreme cases, cause uncommanded elevator movements strong enough to risk exceeding the aircraft’s structural limits.
Airlines respond with precautionary groundings
IndiGo, which operates the largest A320 fleet globally, said it is coordinating closely with Airbus to comply with the directive.
“We are working to implement the required inspections and updates and will make every effort to minimise disruptions,” the airline said.
Air India Express confirmed it has initiated “immediate precautionary action,” adding that while most of its aircraft are not affected, the fixes may still result in delays and cancellations. Sources indicate around 31 aircraft in its fleet will be impacted.
Air India also acknowledged the expected disruptions, noting that affected aircraft will require longer turnaround times until the fleet-wide reset is completed.
“Air India regrets any inconvenience this may cause to passengers,” the airline said.
All three carriers urged passengers to check their flight status regularly.
What the fix involves
The mandated corrective actions fall into two categories:
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Software updates to add protective logic against radiation-induced corruption
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Hardware realignment or replacement of specific ELAC units
The fixes are not uniform; some aircraft may require only software patches, while others need component replacements, increasing the time each aircraft must remain grounded.
Airbus acknowledges disruptions
In a global advisory, Airbus admitted the updates would cause major operational headaches.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and will work closely with operators. Safety remains our overriding priority,” the company said.
Airbus confirmed that the issue emerged after examining a recent incident and that it moved “proactively” with regulators to issue an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) to enforce immediate action.
A critical moment for Indian aviation
The timing is particularly challenging. The A320 family forms the core of India’s high-demand routes, and even a temporary grounding of 200 aircraft places pressure on the entire aviation grid — from passenger load to crew scheduling and airport operations.
While no unsafe event has occurred in India so far, the near-miss involving another A320 elsewhere in the world has spurred regulators to treat the situation as urgent.
As the corrective work rolls out in phases, passengers can expect delays, cancellations, and reduced frequencies across routes in the coming days. Airlines have stressed that while the disruption is significant, the priority is ensuring every aircraft is cleared for safe operation before returning to the skies.
