IndiGo, Air India Flights Face Disruption as A320 Software Issue Triggers Inspections

Major Indian carriers, including IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express, are preparing for possible delays and cancellations as they begin updating flight-control systems on their A320-family aircraft. Industry sources estimate that 200–250 jets across India will require software patches or hardware realignment after Airbus issued a global alert warning of a potential data-corruption issue linked to intense solar radiation.

India operates about 560 A320-family aircraft, making it one of the largest A320 markets in the world. A significant portion of these jets will need temporary grounding while airlines complete mandatory updates to the Elevator Aileron Computer, a key component responsible for controlling pitch and roll. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has directed carriers to install serviceable units before returning affected aircraft to full service.

IndiGo said it is working with Airbus to implement the directive and is aiming to minimise disruption during inspections. Air India Express confirmed that 31 of its aircraft will undergo updates, while Air India said portions of its fleet will face longer turnaround times due to software or hardware changes. All three carriers cautioned travellers to expect schedule adjustments.

The directive follows an October incident in which an A320 experienced a sudden pitch-down while autopilot was engaged, leading investigators to examine whether solar radiation had corrupted data in the flight-control system. While no accidents have been linked to the issue, regulators say uncorrected faults could, in rare cases, trigger uncommanded elevator movement.

Globally, Airbus has recalled around 6,000 A320-family aircraft, one of the largest actions in its history. Most jets will receive a software reversion to an earlier version, while roughly 900 older aircraft require hardware replacements. Airlines worldwide are assessing operational impact as updates begin, and passengers are advised to monitor airline notifications for any schedule changes.