Airbus told to inspect A380 jets after regulators reported cracks in wings

Airbus is cooperating with inspections on a select group of its A380 superjumbo jets after Europe's aviation safety authority ordered urgent checks on the aircraft's wing structures. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an emergency airworthiness directive, requiring inspections of 16 specific A380 planes due to the discovery of cracks in the wing spars.

EASA warned that these cracks could compromise the structural integrity of the wings. The directive mandates that five of the affected aircraft must be inspected before their next flight. The remaining 11 planes are to be checked within 25 flight cycles. Flight tracking data indicates that 15 of these aircraft are operated by Emirates, while one is flown by Australia's Qantas.

Airbus confirmed it has identified a smaller group of aircraft with similar operating histories and is supporting the necessary inspections. A company spokesperson stated that depending on the inspection outcomes, Airbus will work with EASA to determine if repairs are needed or if the aircraft can safely return to commercial service.

The A380, once the world's largest passenger airliner, has seen its production end in 2021 as demand for the model, launched in 2007, declined. Emirates, a major operator of the A380, has not yet responded to a request for comment.

“

Depending on the inspection results, Airbus will assess with EASA whether repairs are necessary or if the aircraft can return to commercial service.