Global Turbulence: Airbus A320 Recall Causes Flight Disruptions

Airbus has issued a recall for 6,000 of its A320 jets worldwide, impacting the global fleet and potentially disrupting U.S. travel during a busy weekend. Airlines are scrambling to complete necessary software updates, leading to potential flight delays and cancellations across several major airlines.

In a significant development affecting air travel worldwide, Europe's Airbus has ordered immediate repairs on 6,000 of its widely used A320 jets. This sweeping recall impacts over half of the global fleet and poses a threat to the busiest travel weekend of the year in the United States, causing potential disruptions worldwide.

The primary correction involves reverting to earlier software versions. According to a bulletin obtained by Reuters, the required updates must be completed before the planes are cleared to fly again. Airlines have expressed concerns, indicating that maintenance work could lead to flight delays or cancellations.

Major carriers including American Airlines, Lufthansa, and Avianca have detailed the potential impact of the recall. American Airlines, managing 340 affected of its 480 A320s, anticipates completing updates by Saturday. Lufthansa, meanwhile, foresees minor flight disruptions, while Avianca expects significant operational disruptions, prompting a temporary halt in ticket sales.

(With inputs from agencies.)