Airline passengers traveling from airports in Northern Ireland may face disruptions due to urgent modifications requested by Airbus for its aircraft. The European aerospace company has identified approximately 6,000 planes worldwide, primarily from the A320 family, that require immediate adjustments.
EasyJet, which operates flights to and from Belfast International and Belfast City airports, acknowledged the potential for disruptions. A spokesperson stated, “We will inform customers directly about any changes to our flying programme tomorrow and will do all possible to minimize the impact.” While flights at Belfast International Airport remained unaffected on Friday night, travelers set to fly on Saturday are urged to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
In contrast, Aer Lingus reported that only a limited number of its aircraft are impacted and that the airline is actively working to implement the necessary software updates. The airline confirmed that it does not anticipate significant operational disruptions. At Gatwick Airport, it is understood that around 80 aircraft are affected, with a spokesperson noting, “We are aware of a directive requiring some airlines operating Airbus A320 aircraft to update software on their fleet over the coming days, which may result in some disruption.”
Passengers at Gatwick are advised to contact their airlines for further information. Meanwhile, Heathrow Airport indicated that the required maintenance does not currently affect its operations.
The changes stem from a directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which mandates that affected planes must be rectified by November 29 before they can carry passengers. While the majority of aircraft can be resolved with a straightforward software update, around 900 older planes will require replacement computers and will have to be grounded until repairs are complete.
According to Airbus, the situation is manageable and aims to minimize impact on airline operations. The directive allows for “ferry flights,” which can occur without passengers to transport aircraft to maintenance facilities, ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed and check for updates from their respective airlines as the situation unfolds.
