Airbus A320 aircraft worldwide are being grounded after a major technical fault was detected in the ELAC flight control computer. The issue came to light when a Cancun–New York A320 flight suddenly pitched downward midair without pilot input, injuring several passengers before diverting to Tampa. Investigations revealed that solar radiation caused a “bit-flip” in the ELAC computer, leading to incorrect pitch signals.
Following this, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive on 28 November mandating immediate replacement of the older ELAC B L104 units with the upgraded B L103+ model. Aircraft still using the old system cannot operate except for limited ferry flights.
India, the world’s largest A320 operator, has been heavily impacted. IndiGo’s nearly 200 and Air India’s 100–125 aircraft are undergoing checks and upgrades, leading to potential delays and schedule disruptions.
Globally, around 6,000 A320-family aircraft will require updates. While A320neo jets need only a quick software patch, older models may take up to three days for full hardware–software replacement.
