PASSENGERS have been warned of travel chaos after Airbus identified a “significant number” of planes have been impacted by a software issue.
In a statement, the plane maker said: “Analysis of a recent event involving an A320 Family aircraft has revealed that intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls.
“Airbus has consequently identified a significant number of A320 Family aircraft currently in-service which may be impacted.”
It is understood up to 6,000 planes may be affected, while the UK Civil Aviation Authority confirmed disruption and cancellations are likely.
Giancarlo Buono, director of aviation safety at CAA, added: “We have been made aware of an issue that may affect some of the A320 family of aircraft and the precautionary action that EASA has taken.
“Passengers should check with their airline whether their flights are affected. Airlines have a duty of care to look after passengers when a flight is delayed.”
It is understood the issue was identified after an incident involving a JetBlue flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, on October 30.
Several passengers were hurt after a sudden loss of altitude during the ordeal.
Wizz Air already confirmed some of its aircraft are among those that need updating.
British Airways is understood not be be majorly impacted by the issue.
Easyjet said it was “expecting this to result in some disruption” and would be in touch with passengers.
“Safety is our highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with manufacturers guidelines,” the airline said.
Meanwhile Air India confirmed there could be delays.
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