Airbus A320 aircraft have largely resumed normal service following a warning regarding potential solar radiation interference with onboard computer systems.
Approximately 6,000 A320 planes were identified as affected. The resolution involved a software update for the majority of these aircraft, while around 900 older models required a computer replacement.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed that over 5,000 planes had received updates by Saturday, with fewer than 100 still awaiting completion. Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, acknowledged "logistical challenges and delays" and stated that efforts were underway to expedite remaining updates.
Operational impacts included:
- Air France: Experienced delays or cancellations for several flights at Paris's Charles de Gaulle Airport.
- American Airlines: Anticipated operational delays, with most updates projected to be finalized by Saturday.
- Delta Airlines: Indicated a limited impact on its operations.
- UK Civil Aviation Authority: Reported that airlines operating in the UK completed updates overnight, resulting in no severe impact on air traffic.
- Gatwick Airport: Noted "some disruption."
- Heathrow, Manchester, and Luton Airports: Reported no significant cancellations or anticipated problems.
- British Airways and Air India: Were largely unaffected.
- Easyjet and Wizz Air: Both airlines confirmed completing updates on a significant number of their aircraft and operating as scheduled.
- Jetstar (Australia): Canceled 90 flights. While most aircraft are now updated, some disruptions are expected throughout the weekend.
- Air New Zealand: Grounded its A320 planes temporarily; all flights have since resumed after updates were completed.