1924 Airbus aircraft are affected.Image: keystone
December 9, 2025, 4:04 p.mDecember 9, 2025, 4:04 p.m
Trouble again with Airbus jets: After problems with on-board computers and fuselage panels, airlines in the USA now have to check door locks on many aircraft more frequently. The reason is possible cracks, the US aviation authority FAA explained in an instruction to operators of almost 2,000 Airbus jets from the A320 model family.
The supervisors updated a corresponding airworthiness directive. In it they demand the inspection of door hinges as well as already prescribed tests on fuselage parts.
1924 jets affected
A total of 1,924 Airbus aircraft registered in the USA are affected. Door bolts and other parts have been the focus of aviation security since an almost new passenger jet from the US manufacturer Boeing lost a door-sized fuselage part in flight at the beginning of 2024. Although no one was seriously injured in the incident, Boeing has since been subject to strict scrutiny for a number of production and quality defects.
An Air Portugal Airbus A320 takes off in front of the setting moon.Image: keystone
The world’s largest aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, had reported several problems in the past two weeks. The on-board computer software in around 6,000 aircraft worldwide had to be reset to an older version.
Fair weather flyer
In addition, A320neo jets with Pratt & Whitney engines are no longer allowed to take off in certain weather conditions with freezing fog. Then defects appeared in certain hull panels.
Because the manufacturer has to examine these fuselage parts and replace them if necessary, Airbus boss Guillaume Faury had to cut his target for the delivery of new aircraft this year. (sda/awp/dpa)