Airbus has ordered immediate software repairs for approximately 6,000 A320-family aircraft after identifying a flight-control software vulnerability that could be triggered by solar radiation. The decision, announced on November 28, 2025, affects more than half of the global A320 fleet — one of the most widely used narrow-body aircraft families in commercial aviation.

According to Airbus, the issue is linked to specific conditions in which solar radiation could potentially interfere with the aircraft’s fly-by-wire system. While Airbus emphasized that no accidents or incidents have been linked to the software flaw, the manufacturer, regulators, and airlines moved quickly due to the critical nature of flight-control systems.

The corrective action requires affected aircraft to revert to a previous version of the software. Airbus described the fix as “straightforward,” but its scale means many carriers are facing immediate operational challenges. Airlines across multiple regions have warned passengers to expect potential delays or flight cancellations as aircraft undergo mandatory updates.

Both the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued emergency airworthiness directives requiring operators to install the corrective software before aircraft can return to service. Emergency directives of this kind are rare and signal the seriousness with which regulators are treating the issue.

The recall comes during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, intensifying the impact on global operations. Airlines are working to cycle aircraft through maintenance as quickly as possible, though the high number of affected jets means disruptions could continue in the short term.

Airbus has stated it is providing full technical support to operators and coordinating with regulators to ensure fleets are restored to service safely and efficiently.