UAE Airlines Move Swiftly on Airbus A320 Software Update
UAE airlines ensure smooth operations despite global Airbus A320 software fixes during peak holiday travel.
As UAE residents gear up for the long winter weekend and the peak holiday rush, many travellers are asking the same question: Are UAE flights affected by the global Airbus A320 software fix?
For now, the answer is reassuring — most UAE carriers remain unaffected or have already resumed normal operations.
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The worldwide directive from Airbus applies to up to 6,000 A320-family aircraft, following the discovery of a potential risk in flight-control computers linked to high solar radiation. Regulators warned that the rollout could cause delays across global networks, but UAE airlines say they are prepared and keeping schedules on track.
Etihad operations fully restored
Etihad Airways confirmed that all A320 flights are running as scheduled after the airline completed the required software updates quickly and without major issues.
“Etihad Airways flights have returned to normal scheduled operations following the successful installation of the required Airbus software update across our A320 fleet,” the airline said in a statement to Gulf News.
“Thanks to the exceptional efforts of our operational and technical teams, the update was completed quickly and with minimal disruption—despite this being one of the busiest travel periods at Zayed International Airport ahead of the long weekend.”
The airline added:
“We appreciate the professionalism of our teams across the network and thank our guests for their patience and understanding. Safety remains Etihad’s highest priority, and we are pleased to have restored regular services swiftly.”
Air Arabia continues scheduled updates
Sharjah-based Air Arabia confirmed it is actively carrying out the necessary software and technical updates on its affected A320 aircraft in line with Airbus’s global advisory.
“In line with this advisory, we have begun implementing the required measures across the impacted aircraft in our fleet and expect to complete all updates by the end of today,” a spokesperson said.
They added that teams have worked to ensure minimal customer impact, and the airline apologised for any inconvenience caused.
Emirates and flydubai unaffected
Since the directive applies exclusively to Airbus A320 aircraft, UAE carriers operating different fleets — including Emirates and flydubai — remain entirely unaffected.
For travellers flying out of the UAE this weekend, the overall outlook is positive, with airlines acting swiftly to ensure safety, compliance, and uninterrupted flight schedules during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.