This weekend, significant disruptions are expected in air travel across India and other countries due to a mandatory software update affecting numerous Airbus A320-family aircraft. Major airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express are preparing for operational challenges as these aircraft undergo necessary upgrades to address a potential flight-control issue. An estimated 400 planes in India will be impacted, with a global total across more than 350 operators rising to about 3,000 A320-family jets, which are expected to be grounded temporarily.

Airbus, the manufacturer of the planes, acknowledged that intense solar radiation poses a risk of data corruption that is essential for flight-control systems. In light of this, a bulletin was issued, marking what may be one of the largest recalls in the company's 55-year history. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India has moved quickly to implement a mandatory modification order to ensure all affected aircraft can continue to operate safely.

According to aviation experts, approximately 400 aircraft could be impacted in India, with data revealing that 338 of these require updates to mitigate flight-control risks. The DGCA confirmed that action plans are being prepared in coordination with Indian carriers to complete the updates promptly. Although several flights are experiencing delays of 60-90 minutes, as of now, there have been no flight cancellations reported.

IndiGo is expected to experience the greatest operational disruptions due to its large fleet of 195 A320s. The airline has reported that inspections and updates on 160 planes have already been completed, while the remaining aircraft are scheduled for modifications to be completed on time. Similarly, Air India has updated over 40% of its affected A320-family aircraft with continuous efforts to cover the entire fleet.

Air India Express also indicated that most of its aircraft remain unaffected but anticipated that worldwide guidance might lead to delays or cancellations. In this scenario, flight operations may face further adjustments as airlines are urged to prioritize safety.

Internationally, numerous airlines face similar challenges. American Airlines has revised its number of affected planes significantly, and in Japan, ANA has canceled numerous flights following the grounding of A320s. Disruptions are also reported from airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, and Air New Zealand, with many arranging for their A320neo aircraft to undergo updates before the next flights.

Although disruptions are widespread, Airbus has reassured all stakeholders that it is working closely with airlines and regulators to ensure the swift rollout of necessary updates while maintaining its commitment to safety above all else. Given the current developments, passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines regarding potential flight delays or schedule adjustments.