Airbus Grounds Thousands of Planes Over Solar Radiation Issue – What Travelers Need to Know

Published on November 29, 2025

Airlines around the world have been forced to ground thousands of Airbus planes after it was discovered that intense solar radiation could interfere with onboard flight control systems, potentially compromising flight safety. The issue, identified in October, has impacted around 6,000 aircraft, primarily the popular A320 family of planes, which includes the A318, A319, and A321 models.

The discovery was made following an incident involving a JetBlue Airways flight that lost altitude while flying between the US and Mexico. The plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Florida after at least 15 passengers were injured. This incident led to an investigation by Airbus, which revealed the vulnerability caused by solar radiation affecting the aircraft’s flight control systems.

Impact on Travelers: What to Expect at Airports

With the issue affecting approximately half of Airbus’s global fleet, travelers are likely to experience delays and cancellations over the next few days. While airports in the UK, including London Gatwick and Heathrow, have reported limited disruptions, airlines and aviation authorities worldwide are working to address the issue.

The UK’s aviation regulator has acknowledged that there will be some flight cancellations and delays as airlines work to update their aircraft’s software. In the US, airlines such as American Airlines and Delta Airlines have reported operational delays but expect the majority of the updates to be completed over the weekend. Meanwhile, in Australia, Jetstar has already cancelled numerous flights after discovering that nearly a third of its fleet is affected.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued an emergency airworthiness directive requiring airlines to address the problem before aircraft are cleared to carry passengers. Planes may still operate “ferry flights” (without passengers) to maintenance facilities for software or hardware updates.

How the Issue Affects Different Airlines

The impact varies between airlines. Major European carriers like Air France have been hit hardest, with dozens of cancellations reported at its Paris hub. In contrast, British Airways has not experienced significant disruptions. Low-cost carriers, such as Wizz Air and EasyJet, are actively implementing the necessary updates on their fleets. EasyJet has announced that it has already completed updates on many of its affected aircraft and expects to operate normally by the weekend.

For business travelers, this disruption is particularly troublesome. Many rely on quick, efficient flights for meetings and events. With airlines scrambling to make repairs, travelers should expect some degree of uncertainty. As for tourists, the delays could affect holiday plans, especially those traveling during the busy winter season. As international travel picks up for the holidays, passengers are advised to check flight statuses and be prepared for longer-than-expected wait times at airports.

What’s Being Done to Address the Issue

Airbus is working quickly to resolve the problem. For around 5,100 aircraft, the software issue can be rectified through a relatively quick update, which typically takes around three hours. For the remaining 900 older aircraft, however, the issue requires a more complex fix, including the replacement of onboard computers. This could take more time, meaning those planes may remain grounded for longer, affecting their ability to carry passengers.

The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander have emphasized that aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation due to the rigorous maintenance and safety checks required by airlines. Although rare, the grounding of such a large number of aircraft is a serious disruption for both travelers and the airlines involved.

How You Can Minimize Disruption

If you’re planning to fly soon, here are some quick tips to help minimize the impact of this disruption:

1. Check Your Flight Status Regularly: Stay informed about any changes to your flight by checking your airline’s website or mobile app.
2. Consider Rebooking or Adjusting Your Plans: If your flight is delayed or canceled, check with your airline about rebooking options or possible compensation. Some airlines may offer flexible rebooking options during this period.
3. Arrive Early: With increased wait times at airports, especially in affected regions, it’s a good idea to arrive earlier than usual to avoid any last-minute stress.
4. Monitor News Updates: Keep an eye on news related to the issue, as updates may affect your travel schedule. Some airlines are providing live updates on affected flights.
5. Prepare for Flight Delays: Bring essential items such as snacks, entertainment, and a power bank, especially if you’re traveling during busy periods like the holidays.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Air Travel During Solar Events

This issue has raised concerns about the impact of solar radiation on modern flight control systems, prompting further investigations into how solar activity can affect aviation. While such events are rare, they highlight the importance of continuous advancements in aviation technology to ensure safety. Airlines are likely to implement even stricter protocols and software updates to minimize these risks in the future.

As technology improves, it’s possible that solutions will be developed to better protect flight control systems from solar radiation, reducing the chances of similar issues arising in the future.

Conclusion: Preparing for Possible Travel Disruptions

While the current situation is unusual, the aviation industry is taking swift action to resolve the issue and minimize passenger inconvenience. Both business and leisure travelers should stay vigilant and prepared for potential delays or cancellations over the coming days. The good news is that with ongoing efforts from Airbus and airlines, most planes will be back in the air shortly after undergoing the necessary updates.

If you’re traveling in the coming weeks, particularly around the busy holiday season, staying informed and flexible will be key to navigating these disruptions. Keep updated with the latest news, and remember that safety remains the top priority for all involved.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated And Does Not Represent any Real Property