PARIS: Airbus has announced inspections of 16 A380 superjumbo aircraft after cracks were discovered in a key wing component on some of the world’s largest passenger jets, prompting urgent action by European aviation regulators.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ordered inspections after cracks were detected during routine maintenance checks on the aircraft, Airbus said on Tuesday.
The issue involves a structural beam within the wing-spar assembly, a critical component that helps carry aerodynamic loads during flight on the double-decker aircraft.
Emirates Fleet Most Affected
Of the 16 aircraft identified for inspection, 15 are operated by Emirates and one by Qantas, according to Airbus.
Five Emirates aircraft have been earmarked for immediate inspection and are expected to undergo checks as early as Wednesday.
Emirates, the world’s largest operator of the A380, said inspections would begin within 48 hours.
“The inspections will begin in the coming 48 hours and all necessary works will be undertaken before the planes return to service,” the airline said in a statement.
The Dubai-based carrier added that it would work closely with Airbus and aviation authorities to minimise disruption to its flight schedules.
Safety Concerns
Airbus said the cracks were found during inspections mandated by an EASA directive issued in December 2025.
According to the manufacturer, the affected area could potentially reduce the structural integrity of the wing if left unaddressed.
The company said all A380 aircraft sharing the same production history have been identified for examination.
While five aircraft require immediate inspections, the remaining 11 can continue operating temporarily but must undergo checks before completing another 25 flight cycles.
A flight cycle consists of one take-off and one landing.
Airbus said it is consulting with EASA to determine whether repairs will be required following the inspections.
Previous Wing Issues
The A380 programme has previously faced wing-related challenges.
In 2012, EASA ordered inspections across the global A380 fleet after cracks were discovered in brackets connecting the wing skin to internal wing ribs.
The issue led to a large-scale repair programme and prompted Airbus to introduce design modifications on later aircraft.
Although Airbus ended production of the A380 in 2021, the aircraft remains a key part of long-haul operations for several major carriers, including Emirates, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Etihad Airways, ANA and Asiana Airlines.
Emirates alone operates more than half of the world’s active A380 fleet.
