Solar Radiation Hits Airbus A320: Software Fix Urged

Published on November 29, 2025

For those who are planning to fly on an Airbus A320, especially during the busy holiday season, there’s a chance that delays could affect your flight. A critical software issue has been identified in these popular aircraft, linked to solar radiation, and while this problem doesn’t pose a safety risk, it has triggered a global directive for urgent fixes. This could cause some disruptions, but experts assure that the safety of passengers remains a top priority.

What Happened? A Glitch Linked to Solar Radiation

The issue began when a solar radiation burst—a powerful wave of energy from the sun—affected the flight control software on at least one Airbus A320 jet. The glitch temporarily corrupted the data on the plane’s flight-control computers. These computers help pilots steer and keep the aircraft stable, and the data corruption led to some unexpected behavior in one plane.

In fact, one A320 experienced a brief and uncommanded “pitch down event.” This means the plane’s nose unexpectedly dropped for a short period. While this might sound alarming, it’s important to note that the plane was still under control, with the autopilot engaged throughout the event. The aircraft lost only a small amount of altitude, and the rest of the flight was uneventful.

After this incident, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD), which is essentially a legal order that mandates airlines to update their planes’ software. The agency explained that if this issue is left unresolved, it could lead to a more severe problem, such as uncommanded elevator movement, which could push the aircraft beyond its structural limits. However, there was no immediate threat to flight safety at this time.

The Urgent Fix: What Airlines Are Doing

This issue affects a significant portion of the Airbus A320 fleet around the world. American Airlines, which operates approximately 480 A320-family jets, reported that about 340 of these planes would need to undergo the software update. JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and several other major airlines also operate A320-family aircraft, which means they’re all affected by the issue.

In response, American Airlines assured travelers that they were actively working to fix the issue. A spokesperson mentioned that the airline had started identifying and completing the software update and expected the majority of aircraft to be finished with the update within the next day or two. Although the fix was relatively quick, the spokesperson noted that airlines were still likely to experience some delays while completing the necessary updates.

For American Airlines, the goal is to minimize disruptions, particularly as the busy holiday travel season is underway. They had prioritized the update to limit flight cancellations, recognizing that many customers were traveling home for the holidays. The spokesperson added that although some delays were expected while completing the updates, the airline was primarily focused on minimizing cancellations, particularly for customers returning home for the holiday season.

The Importance of Proactive Action

The software update isn’t just about fixing the issue—it’s about ensuring that the planes remain safe to fly. Both Airbus and the airlines have been transparent about the issue, reassuring passengers that the fix will be implemented before any affected planes depart.

Airbus worked closely with aviation authorities to issue an Alert Operators Transmission (AOT), which allowed airlines to implement the software protection and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the fleet stays safe. Although the issue affected a “significant” number of aircraft, Airbus has stated that airlines have been proactive in handling the situation.

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) in the U.S. is expected to issue its own version of the directive. While EASA issued the order first, the FAA is likely to follow with a similar mandate for airlines operating in the United States.

Why This Matters to Travelers

If you’re flying on an Airbus A320-family aircraft during the holiday season, you might be wondering how this could impact you. The truth is, if airlines handle the software updates efficiently, you likely won’t see any major disruptions. The process of updating the software or replacing equipment isn’t expected to take too long. However, airlines may still experience some delays as they address the issue fleet-wide.

With so many A320-family aircraft in operation, especially during peak travel times like Thanksgiving, this situation could lead to some minor hiccups in the schedule. But industry experts agree that significant delays or widespread cancellations are unlikely, as the fixes are relatively quick and the airlines are prioritizing them to minimize impact.

American Airlines, for example, has already begun making updates to its aircraft. The airline’s focus remains on making sure all planes are ready for safe travel, even as they work to complete the necessary fixes. Although they anticipate some delays, passengers are assured that the updates are a precautionary measure to ensure everything is in order before the planes are cleared to fly.

What to Expect During the Thanksgiving Travel Rush

The timing of this issue couldn’t have come at a worse moment. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, airlines are facing the added pressure of managing a high volume of travelers. According to the FAA and EASA, the urgency to update the software before planes take off is critical, especially as holiday travelers flood airports.

If your flight is on an Airbus A320, and you’ve received an update from your airline, it’s a good idea to stay informed. Many airlines now offer real-time updates through mobile apps or text alerts, so you can monitor your flight’s status as updates are completed.

While the fix is likely to be quick and efficient, airlines may still experience minor delays in their flight schedules as they implement the changes. The majority of flights should operate on time, but there is always a chance that a small number of flights could experience setbacks. Travelers should check with their airline before heading to the airport to confirm any potential delays or cancellations.

How Airlines Are Communicating With Passengers

Communication has been a key component of how airlines are addressing this situation. Both EASA and FAA have been clear about the issue and have provided instructions to airlines to ensure the safety of passengers. Airlines like American Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit are working hard to complete the software updates as quickly as possible and are keeping their passengers in the loop about any delays.

If your flight is affected, it’s important to stay up-to-date with information from your airline. Airline apps, websites, and customer service lines will be your best source of real-time information. Many airlines are also offering flexible rebooking options for affected passengers, which can help reduce stress during an already hectic time of year.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Stay Safe

At the end of the day, the safety of travelers is always the top priority for both airlines and aviation authorities. The issue with Airbus A320 flight control software, while serious, is being handled with transparency and speed. The software update will ensure that A320-family planes continue to meet safety standards, and passengers are encouraged to trust the process.

If you’re flying on an Airbus A320 during the holiday season, the best advice is to stay informed. Keep an eye on any notifications from your airline, check your flight status, and allow extra time at the airport, just in case.

Even though it may seem like a hassle, the situation is being managed well, and experts believe that widespread disruptions are unlikely. With airlines working hard to implement fixes, most passengers will experience only minor delays, if any.

For now, the priority remains clear: travelers can feel confident that the issue is being handled efficiently, and the flight you’ve booked should be safe and smooth, with only slight adjustments needed to ensure everything runs as planned.