Airbus Restricts A320neo Takeoffs in Cold Weather Due to Engine Icing
Airbus has introduced operational restrictions for A320neo-family aircraft equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan engines, limiting takeoffs during freezing fog conditions when visibility falls below 150 meters. The measure follows reported engine performance issues in extreme winter weather and represents a significant operational consideration for airlines operating in cold-climate regions.
The restriction emerged into public view after Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, experienced weather-related delays at Almaty Airport on November 15, 2025. The airline attributed the disruptions to heavy engine icing impairing engine performance under freezing fog and sub-zero temperature conditions. Air Astana confirmed the limitation applies across its A320neo, A321neo, and A321LR fleet—comprising 11 A320neos, four A321neos, and 13 A321LRs.
Airbus responded by updating ground engine operating procedures specifically designed for icing conditions. An Airbus spokesperson confirmed the revision leads to the takeoff restrictions and emphasized the company’s ongoing collaboration with airline customers. Pratt & Whitney acknowledged the temporary limitation, characterizing it as a precautionary measure while engineers develop a longer-term engineering solution. The engine manufacturer stated it does not anticipate major operational disruptions for most carriers during winter operations.
The scope of affected operators extends beyond Air Astana. Airlines including Finnair, SAS, and Lufthansa operate A320neo-family aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, potentially facing similar weather-related operational constraints during freezing fog events. Notably, A320neo variants equipped with CFM International LEAP-1A engines remain unaffected, highlighting the issue’s specificity to Pratt & Whitney’s geared turbofan architecture.
Industry context adds complexity to this situation. Air Astana’s low-cost subsidiary Fly Arystan currently has 13 inactive A320neos powered by Pratt & Whitney engines grounded due to separate issues including powdered-metal contamination and engine shop bottlenecks—challenges that have plagued Pratt & Whitney operations across the industry.
Neither Airbus nor Pratt & Whitney has provided a timeline for permanent resolution. The companies remain engaged in technical development while maintaining close contact with affected customers. This temporary restriction underscores ongoing challenges within the Pratt & Whitney GTF program and its implications for winter operations at high-latitude and mountainous airports.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764612046388-1046