UPDATE: The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirms that very few flights will be impacted following a mandatory software update for Airbus A320 aircraft. This precautionary measure was announced late on Friday night, just before the weekend travel rush, and assures passengers that disruptions will be limited.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) mandated this software update to enhance safety protocols after a recent incident involving JetBlue, where 15 passengers were injured due to a sudden altitude drop in one of their A320 planes. Investigations revealed the potential influence of solar radiation on flight control data, prompting Airbus to act swiftly.
Despite initial warnings of disruptions, the CAA reported on Saturday afternoon that the impact in Britain has been minimal. Rob Bishton, CAA chief executive, expressed gratitude to airlines for their quick response:
“Thanks to their diligent and swift efforts, UK aviation has come together to minimize significant passenger disruption.”
Airlines, including Wizz Air, have already completed the updates on their affected A320s, with no further disruptions anticipated. Diarmud O Conghaile, Wizz Air’s chief operations officer, highlighted the dedication of staff who worked overnight to ensure passenger travel plans remained intact.
EasyJet has indicated that there may be changes to its flying schedule, but affected passengers will be promptly informed. Meanwhile, Aer Lingus stated that it does not expect major operational disruptions, and British Airways confirmed that only three of their aircraft require updates.
Airport authorities are also reporting smooth operations. A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport mentioned that while the software updates might cause minor delays, no cancellations are expected. Heathrow and Luton Airports both reported that flight schedules will run as planned.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander praised the rapid response from aviation experts and airlines:
“It is heartening this issue has been identified and will be addressed so swiftly, demonstrating high aviation safety standards globally.”
As travelers prepare for the weekend, officials emphasize the importance of safety and the rapid updates being implemented. With spare aircraft available during this busy travel season, significant passenger disruption is unlikely.
This story is developing, and passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
