If you're travelling soon, this is how the A320 family aircraft recall affects you
Several Saudi airlines have made statements
If you or someone you know is travelling soon, you need to know about these new flight updates in Saudi Arabia and how they may possibly affect you. Airlines like Saudia, Flynas, and Flyadeal have all made statements regarding the global A320 family aircraft recall. Read on to find out more.
According to Saudi Gazette, Airbus has ordered immediate repairs on roughly 6,000 A320-family aircraft, marking what appears to be one of the largest recalls in the company’s 55-year history and causing disruption for flights worldwide. The urgent worldwide recall prompted flight cancellations and delays across global carriers, including Saudia, Flynas, and Flyadeal.
The aircraft is an essential part of short- and medium-haul aviation in Saudi Arabia, with Saudia operating 64, Flynas operating 66, and Flyadeal operating 45.
Flynas
Flynas stated the following: “We would like to inform you that we have received a directive from Airbus regarding the A320 aircraft currently operating with several airlines worldwide. Accordingly, a software and technical recalibration will be carried out on part of our fleet, which would result in longer turnaround times between a limited number of flights and some delays in our operating schedule.”
Saudia
Saudia released a statement stating the following: “Based on the global safety directive issued by Airbus for the A320 family aircraft worldwide, Saudia is reviewing the required updates and assessing any potential impact on flight schedules.”
Flyadeal
Flyadeal even announced that the airline would be back to being fully functional by today (Sunday November 30). The statement is as follows: “Following a directive by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to all airlines worldwide operating Airbus A320 aircraft to implement the required changes, Flyadeal reaccommodated customers onto widebody wet-lease aircraft as replacement flights. The airline’s focus throughout has been on operational safety and protecting customers on today’s flying schedule. No flights are being impacted on Sunday 30 November.”
What’s next
As global regulators prepare further guidance, Saudi carriers appear to have contained the worst of the disruption, per Saudi Gazette. According to the statements, affected passengers will be notified via SMS and email, so keep an eye on your inbox and notifications.
It is a global recall, so if you’re planning on taking any international flights, it’s best to check with your airline to see if you’ll be affected.
Image: What’s On archives
