Airbus Recall Shocks Vietnam: 81 Flights Disrupted, Are You Affected?

Published on November 29, 2025

A global recall by Airbus is set to impact 81 out of 169 A320 and A321 aircraft currently in operation in Vietnam. This recall, part of a wider issue affecting 6,000 jets worldwide, has caused significant concern among passengers and airlines alike. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) held an emergency meeting to address the issue and prepare for the likely flight delays and cancellations in the coming days.

This recall has implications not only for Vietnamese air carriers but for international travelers as well. With the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) mandating a fix for the A320 family of jets, there could be widespread disruptions across the Asia-Pacific region as airlines comply with the recall.

The Global Scope of the Airbus Recall

The recall affects a large portion of the A320-family jets, one of the most commonly used aircraft in commercial aviation. The issue involves replacing or updating the flight control software for A319, A320, and A321 jets. While the fix itself is simple—mainly reverting to earlier software—it must be completed before the aircraft can fly again, except when repositioning to designated repair centers.

With around 3,000 A320-family jets in the air at any given time, the global scope of this recall is massive, and its impact will be felt throughout the world. The aircraft in Vietnam represent a significant portion of the country’s fleet, affecting both domestic and international flights.

Vietnam’s Aviation Sector Faces Significant Disruption

Out of the 169 A320-family jets operating in Vietnam, 81 aircraft are set to undergo repairs or software updates. This represents a large chunk of the nation’s commercial aviation fleet, including those operated by major carriers like Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. With these jets being integral to both domestic and international routes, the recall poses a real risk to flight schedules.

The CAAV has confirmed that delays and cancellations are likely, and airlines have been working to manage the situation. Measures are being put in place to minimize disruption, with a focus on rebooking affected passengers, waiving rebooking fees, and offering refunds where necessary.

Airlines are reviewing their operations for the weekend and the coming days, especially as peak travel periods approach. Passengers are being advised to stay informed about their flights and to anticipate possible changes to their schedules.

Airline Responses to the Recall

In response to the Airbus recall, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and other local carriers are taking steps to mitigate the impact of this disruption. Their primary focus is to ensure that passengers are accommodated on alternate flights and that rebooking fees are waived. Additionally, airlines are working with Airbus to ensure the necessary repairs are completed quickly.

The priority for airlines is to carry out repairs as soon as possible, using available spare parts and technical personnel to complete the required updates. Some planes will need to be repositioned to designated repair centers, which may further affect flight availability.

Given the scale of the recall, airlines are working hard to minimize cancellations, but passengers should expect some interruptions to their travel plans. Efforts are being made to limit delays and ensure that passengers can reach their destinations with minimal disruption.

The Implications for Vietnamese Airlines

Vietnam’s aviation industry has grown significantly in recent years, with 14 commercial airlines operating a combined fleet of 254 aircraft. The A320-family jets play a vital role in this sector, serving both domestic routes and international flights. For carriers like Vietnam Airlines and VietJet, the recall could put a strain on their operations, especially if a large percentage of their A320-family fleet is grounded for repairs.

With 52 domestic routes and 211 international routes, the demand for flights remains high, particularly for short-haul routes. The recall, occurring during a busy travel season, will require airlines to be flexible and make adjustments to minimize disruptions to passengers and ensure that aircraft availability remains as consistent as possible.

For VietJet, the largest low-cost carrier in Vietnam, this disruption could have a significant impact on its business model, which relies heavily on short-haul A320-family aircraft. The airline’s ability to maintain its flight schedules and minimize cancellations will be crucial for maintaining customer loyalty and minimizing revenue losses.

The Global Impact of the Recall

While Vietnam is experiencing immediate disruption, the global impact of the Airbus A320-family recall will likely ripple through the aviation industry. Many of the affected jets are flying in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the U.S., and the scale of this recall is unprecedented.

In addition to Vietnam, other regions with a large number of A320-family jets could see flight delays and cancellations. For airlines operating in these regions, the challenge will be to manage these disruptions while still meeting the needs of passengers. This recall, while affecting a large portion of the fleet, is manageable in the long term, but it will create significant short-term challenges for the industry.