DGCA, Airbus and EASA order emergency software upgrade after technical glitch in Airbus A320. 300+ aircraft were tested in India, but there was minimal impact on flights. Is your flight also in this list?
New Delhi. A sudden technical glitch in the world’s most widely used Airbus A320 family aircraft has created a stir in the global aviation sector. The problem was considered so serious that Airbus, EASA and DGCA ordered immediate software upgrades. In India, operators like IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express have a large number of A320s, hence concerns grew over its impact on domestic flights.
Fortunately, most of India’s maintenance bases—Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata—were able to complete this upgrade quickly. Most airlines claimed that passengers did not face any major disruption.
What was wrong? And why was there a worldwide uproar?
The matter came to light after an airline reported an “uncommanded pitch-down” incident during a flight. That is, the plane automatically took a slight downward inclination while the autopilot was on. Investigation found that there may be a software related problem with the Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC). This is the same system that manages the stability and control of the aircraft.
Airbus and EASA emergency directives – why were they necessary?
- On November 28, Airbus released AOT A27N022-25 Rev 00.
- EASA implemented the Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD 2025-0268-E) on the same day.
- DGCA made it mandatory on all operators in India on November 29.
- These instructions clearly stated to either update the software or replace the affected ELAC unit.
Which airlines in India were affected to what extent?
Below are DGCA’s data as of November 29, 10 am:
1. Indigo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd.)
- Affected aircraft: 200
- Flights affected: 0 cancellations
- Upgrades completed: 143
Deadline to complete compliance: 30 Nov, 05:29 IST
2. Air India
- Affected aircraft: 113
- Flights affected: 0 cancellations
- Upgrades completed: 42
- Deadline: 30 Nov, 05:29 IST
3. Air India Express
- Affected aircraft: 25
- Flights affected: 8 delayed
- Upgrades completed: 4
- Deadline: 30 Nov, 05:29 IST
Should travelers worry?
DGCA has clearly said that the operators took “immediate action” and followed all safety standards. Overall, there has been little impact on flights and the crisis was handled in a timely manner.