Airbus Warns of A320 Flight-Control Data Issues Due to Solar Radiation
Airbus has issued a significant safety advisory affecting operators of A320 Family aircraft worldwide, warning of potential flight-control data corruption linked to solar radiation exposure. The European aircraft manufacturer disclosed that intense solar activity may, in rare circumstances, corrupt data essential to flight-control functions, affecting a substantial portion of the global A320 fleet.
The alert follows Airbus’s investigation into a recent operational event involving an A320 Family aircraft, during which solar activity was identified as a possible trigger for data corruption within the aircraft’s flight-control systems. Notably, the incident resulted in no loss of control or passenger injuries, but prompted comprehensive analysis and industry coordination.
Airbus has already transmitted an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) to airlines instructing them to immediately apply available software and hardware protections. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is preparing a formal Emergency Airworthiness Directive to mandate implementation across the fleet. Operators are expected to begin applying mitigation measures without delay.
The A320 Family represents the backbone of global short- and medium-haul aviation operations. With more than 6,000 aircraft in service worldwide, the fleet achieved historical significance in October 2025 when it became the most delivered commercial aircraft family in history, surpassing the Boeing 737. Any fleet-wide modifications therefore carry substantial industry implications.
Airbus acknowledged that implementation of protective measures will result in short-term operational impacts as airlines coordinate modifications with their maintenance schedules. The company has not specified whether temporary groundings will be required, but confirmed that airlines may experience schedule adjustments depending on fleet size, modification timelines, and existing maintenance planning.
The manufacturer emphasized that safety remains its “number one and overriding priority” and stated its commitment to working closely with operators to minimize disruption for passengers and customers. Airbus has not publicly detailed the complete scope of affected aircraft within the ceo and neo variants, though the instruction covers a meaningful portion of both production lines.
This directive reflects the ongoing challenge of protecting modern aircraft systems from environmental factors while maintaining operational reliability. The aviation industry continues monitoring solar activity patterns and their potential effects on increasingly complex avionics systems across commercial fleets.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764356446224-1013