EASA issues EAD for A320-family

The EASA has released an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) on 28 November 2025, for all Airbus A320-series aircraft after the manufacturer uncovered a previously unidentified weakness in the type’s flight-control architecture during periods of elevated solar radiation.

The finding stems from Airbus’ review of a recent in-flight incident. Although the company has not named the aircraft involved, the case is understood to be connected to a JetBlue A320 operating from Cancun to Newark on 30 October 2025. French investigators report that the aircraft briefly entered an uncommanded descent lasting several seconds before the autopilot corrected the deviation. Early indications point toward an issue within one of the jet’s elevator aileron computers (ELACs).

According to Airbus, subsequent analysis revealed that unusually strong solar radiation can interfere with data essential for pitch and roll control. The manufacturer warns that a sizeable portion of the in-service A320ceo- and A320neo-family fleet could be susceptible. Industry sources suggest that around 6,000 aircraft may need attention. Most can be brought into compliance rapidly via a rollback to an earlier ELAC software standard, while a smaller group will require hardware modifications.

EASA’s directive cites the potential for incorrect ELAC behaviour and notes that, in extreme circumstances, this could lead to uncommanded elevator inputs severe enough to challenge the aircraft’s structural limits.

Airbus has already notified operators and is urging immediate action to install the required protections. The airframer says the measures will likely trigger operational disruptions for airlines but stresses that safeguarding the fleet takes priority, adding that it regrets the inconvenience to airlines and passengers.

Operators like Avianca, Air France and Wizz Air have already announced cancellations of flights due to the issued EAD.

Photo by Airbus.