Airbus Inspects Five A380s After Potential Wing Cracks Detected

Airbus is currently inspecting five of its A380 superjumbo jets after discovering potential cracks in their wing structures. A spokesperson for the aircraft manufacturer confirmed the inspections are underway before the planes can resume commercial flights.

The potential structural issues were identified during technical checks mandated by an airworthiness directive issued in December 2025. This directive required inspections of the central wing spars, a critical component of the aircraft's wing assembly. Following these initial checks, "specific findings led Airbus to inform EASA and recommend inspections on a sub-population of A380s," the spokesperson explained.

Airbus is collaborating with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to assess the findings. Based on the inspection results, the companies will decide whether repairs are needed or if the aircraft can safely return to service. The spokesperson declined to name the airlines affected by these inspections, though French media reports suggest the five aircraft belong to Emirates.