How Many Flights Are Impacted by the Airbus A320 Software Issue, As Reported by DGCA?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 338 flights in India impacted by Airbus A320 software issue.
- 270 flights have completed software updates.
- Focus on updating Elevator and Aileron Computer (ELAC).
- Airlines are working to minimize disruptions.
- DGCA is monitoring the situation closely.
New Delhi, Nov 29 (NationPress) The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Saturday the extent of disruption faced by Indian airlines due to a software glitch affecting Airbus A320 aircraft.
According to the DGCA, a total of 338 flights in India have been impacted by this issue.
Of these 338 flights, 270 have completed the necessary software updates and are now authorized to resume commercial operations. This issue arose after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) mandated a global software upgrade for all Airbus A320 aircraft.
The update focuses on the Elevator and Aileron Computer (ELAC), which is a vital component of the aircraft’s flight control system. EASA pinpointed the “ELAC B L104” units as the cause of the vulnerability, prompting a worldwide directive that is anticipated to affect nearly 6,000 flights.
Earlier in the day, major Indian airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express informed passengers of potential delays due to this mandatory update. However, the DGCA has confirmed that over half of all A320 aircraft operating in India have completed the software fix.
IndiGo has faced the most significant impact, with 200 of its aircraft needing the update. By noon on Saturday, 160 of these had successfully completed the process, and the airline has not canceled any flights so far.
Air India had 113 aircraft affected, with 42 successfully undergoing the software upgrade. Meanwhile, Air India Express had 25 aircraft impacted, but only four have been updated at this time.
While Air India has managed to avoid flight cancellations, Air India Express has experienced delays, reporting that eight of its flights have been delayed due to ongoing software updates, making it the most affected among the Indian carriers.
The DGCA is actively monitoring the situation to ensure smooth operations across the nation's airports.