Airlines adjust flights as Airbus software update causes disruptions

• Photo from Pixabay

By TechWatch PH Staff

Several airlines operating in the Philippines adjusted schedules and cancelled flights on Friday following a mandatory software update affecting certain Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, as advised by Airbus and regulatory authorities.

AirAsia Philippines said on November 29 that it is complying with the Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requiring affected Airbus A320 aircraft to undergo a software rollback.

“As the required software rollback affects airlines globally operating the same aircraft type, AirAsia is taking all necessary steps to comply swiftly and responsibly. We want to assure our guests that safety is, and will always be, our top priority,” the airline said in a public advisory.

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific also announced flight cancellations on November 29 after receiving a notice from Airbus requiring a mandatory software update for A320 and A321 aircraft.

“Our operations and engineering teams are working diligently to complete the updates as quickly and efficiently as possible. We have also deployed additional airport staff to assist passengers and hope to normalize operations soon,” the airline said in its advisory.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) likewise issued a travel advisory warning of possible schedule disruptions for flights operated by certain models of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.

PAL said it received a technical advisory from Airbus that “requires an immediate software rollback,” noting that airlines globally would need time to implement the update, potentially constraining flight schedules as adjustments are made.

“We are actively working to minimize the impact on your travel plans. Your safety and comfort remain our highest priorities at Philippine Airlines,” the carrier said.

Passengers were advised by the airlines to monitor their registered email addresses and mobile numbers for updates and to regularly check flight status through official airline channels.

All three carriers that issued advisories—AirAsia Philippines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines—operate Airbus aircraft in their fleets, which explains the simultaneous impact of the mandatory software update.