Air India has issued an important advisory to passengers warning of potential flight delays and extended turnaround times for its aircraft. The alert comes after Airbus issued a directive requiring immediate software fixes for its A320 fleet currently in service across multiple airline operators.
What Prompted the Airbus Directive?
The need for urgent corrective action emerged after a recent incident involving an A320-family aircraft revealed that intense solar radiation could corrupt critical flight control data. This discovery prompted Airbus to work proactively with aviation authorities to implement immediate precautionary measures.
Airbus has released an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) requiring airlines to implement available software and/or hardware protection before the next operational flight, excluding any repositioning flights to repair bases. The company identified the issue as originating from the ELAC (Elevator and Aileron Computer), which sends crucial commands to elevators controlling the aircraft's pitch or nose angle.
Impact on Air India Operations
Air India confirmed that the Airbus directive will necessitate software and hardware realignment across a significant portion of its fleet. This maintenance work will result in longer turnaround times for affected aircraft, potentially causing delays to scheduled flights throughout the airline's network.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the airline expressed awareness of the situation and its potential impact on operations. "We regret any inconvenience that may cause to passengers until the reset is carried out across the fleet," the airline stated in its official communication.
Passenger Advisory and Recommendations
Air India has strongly recommended that passengers take specific precautions to minimize disruption to their travel plans. The airline advises all customers to check their flight status online before heading to the airport.
Passengers can verify their flight status through the official Air India website at https://airindia.com/in/en/manage/flight-status.html. For additional assistance or queries, travelers can contact the Air India contact center at 011-69329333 or 011-69329999.
Airbus has acknowledged that these necessary safety recommendations will inevitably cause operational disruptions for both passengers and airline customers. The aircraft manufacturer stated, "We apologize for the inconvenience caused and will work closely with operators, while keeping safety as our number one and overriding priority."
The software correction process is being treated with urgency across the global aviation industry, with airlines worldwide implementing similar measures on their A320 fleet to ensure continued flight safety and operational integrity.
