Emirates will begin inspecting its Airbus A380 fleet within 48 hours after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued an airworthiness directive ordering urgent checks of the superjumbo’s wing structure. The directive follows the discovery of cracks in a key structural wing component during routine maintenance.
According to Gulf News, the airline said it would comply fully with EASA’s requirements and that no affected aircraft would be returned to service until all required work is complete. .
“Inspections will commence within the next 48 hours, and any work required will be carried out before releasing aircraft to service,” Emirates said in a statement, adding it remains in contact with Airbus and relevant authorities to limit disruption to its operating schedule.
Emirates has not said how many of its aircraft are affected. According to a report by The Guardian, 15 of the 16 A380s identified for inspection are operated by Emirates, with the remaining aircraft belonging to Qantas.
The A380 is central to Emirates’ long-haul network. The Dubai carrier operates the world’s largest fleet of the type, making it the airline most exposed to any safety directive targeting the aircraft.
