Airbus Restricts A320neo Takeoffs in Cold Weather Due to Engine Icing

Airbus has implemented cold-weather takeoff restrictions for A320neo aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engines following operational concerns in freezing fog conditions. The limitation prohibits takeoffs when visibility drops below 150 meters during freezing fog, affecting airlines including Air Astana, Finnair, SAS, and Lufthansa. Airbus updated ground engine operating procedures to mitigate performance degradation risks in severe winter weather. Pratt & Whitney describes the restriction as temporary while engineers develop a permanent solution. Aircraft equipped with CFM International LEAP-1A engines remain unaffected.