IndiGo finishes critical Airbus A320 safety upgrades on 160 jets, averting

Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo announced the completion of mandatory safety upgrades on 160 of its A320-family aircraft, with the remaining 40 planes undergoing inspections. The airline confirmed that no flights were cancelled due to these checks, although a few experienced minimal delays. This swift action follows a technical alert from Airbus and an Emergency Airworthiness Directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), alongside a directive from the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The directives address a potential malfunction in the aircraft's Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC), a critical component of the A320 series' primary flight-control system managing pitch and roll. Airbus identified a possible issue with the ELAC B L104 variant after an A320 experienced an "uncommanded and limited pitch-down event." EASA's emergency directive cautioned that unrectified issues could lead to uncommanded elevator movement and potentially exceed structural limits. Consequently, regulators mandated the immediate installation of a serviceable, safer ELAC unit before further flight.

The Indian DGCA's directive specifically banned the use of multiple Airbus aircraft models until software and hardware updates, along with mandatory inspections, are completed. This covers 338 jets, with 189 having received upgrades by Saturday afternoon. IndiGo's proactive measures ensure its fleet remains compliant and operational, minimizing disruption for passengers while prioritizing safety.