The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has this evening issued an instruction requiring precautionary action to some of the global Airbus 320 aircraft fleet. EASA is the primary certifying authority for these aircraft.
This action is required to some of the A320 family of aircraft registered in the UK to some UK airlines. The requirement will mean the airlines flying these aircraft will in some cases have to change software over the days ahead or remain on the ground from Sunday onwards until the software has been changed. Only some UK airlines are affected.
This action is likely to mean that unfortunately there may be some disruption and cancellations to flights.
Giancarlo Buono, Director of Aviation Safety at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said:
“We have been made aware of an issue that may affect some of the A320 family of aircraft and the precautionary action that EASA has taken.
“We appreciate the disruption this may cause to some people flying over the coming days.
“Passengers should check with their airline whether their flights are affected. Airlines have a duty of care to look after passengers when a flight is delayed.”
We appreciate the impact that disruption can have on customers when flights are delayed or cancelled. This is why there are clear rules in place for airlines to look after passengers. In the first instance, passengers should check with their airline for any expected disruption before travelling to the airport. Airlines have an obligation to look after passengers and refund cancelled flights but given the circumstances it is unlikely that compensation will be payable.
Further information for passengers can be found on our website: Delays and cancellations | UK Civil Aviation Authority