India's Air Travel Hit: Airbus A320 Glitch Sparks Delays, Schedule Changes Across Multiple Airlines
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A potential issue with flight controls in Airbus A320 family planes has triggered a warning from multiple Indian airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express. The problem arises after a JetBlue-operated Airbus A320 experienced a sudden drop in altitude, resulting in an emergency landing in Florida earlier this month. Airbus SE has alerted that over 50% of its active A320 jetliner fleet will require a software fix. In India, approximately 560 A320 family aircraft are in operation, with over 200 needing software changes or hardware adjustments, according to sources. As airlines work to address the issue, passengers may face disruptions due to grounded planes. Domestic carriers have issued separate statements, notifying passengers of the potential delays and cancellations. IndiGo, the largest airline in the country, stated that it is working closely with Airbus to implement the necessary changes, while minimizing disruptions. Air India Express has taken immediate action, initiating precautionary measures in response to the alert. Although it clarified that most of its aircraft are not affected, the airline may experience adjustments to flight operations, including delays or cancellations. Air India has confirmed that there have been no cancellations due to the ongoing software and hardware realignment, but some flights may be slightly delayed or rescheduled. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a directive to Airbus A320 operators, requiring compliance with a mandatory modification to ensure the safety of passengers. The incident highlights the importance of addressing the issue, with over 6,500 jets potentially affected by the required update. The A320 family is a key aircraft in the civil aviation industry, rivaling Boeing Co.'s 737 series. As airlines work to implement the necessary changes, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for any updates on flight schedules and operations.
