Multiple Airbus A380 planes to be grounded for urgent inspections after cracks found in wings | Australia news

Multiple Airbus A380 planes to be grounded for urgent inspections after cracks found in wings | Australia news

June 23, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Business

Airbus will inspect 16 A380 aircraft after cracks were found in a wing-spar structural beam, according to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The urgent order affects 15 planes operated by Emirates and one operated by Qantas, with five Emirates jets requiring immediate inspection starting as soon as Wednesday.

Why is the EASA ordering A380 wing inspections?

The EASA issued a directive in December 2025 after routine maintenance checks revealed cracks in a structural beam that runs along the wing. This specific component carries much of the aerodynamic load during flight, according to the European planemaker.

Why is the EASA ordering A380 wing inspections?

Airbus stated that these cracks could reduce the structural integrity of the wing. The manufacturer has identified all A380s with the same production history to determine the scope of the risk.

Did You Know? Emirates operates the largest A380 fleet in the world, flying more than half of all active superjumbos.

Which airlines are affected by the Airbus A380 cracks?

While the current urgent inspections target 15 Emirates aircraft and one Qantas jet, the A380 is used by a wider group of carriers. These include Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Etihad Airways, ANA, and Asiana Airlines.

A380 wing cracking, acceleration of inspections of the entire worldwide fleet of Airbus's

For the 11 aircraft not requiring immediate action, inspections must be completed before their thirteenth flight. This window is defined as 25 cycles, where one cycle consists of a takeoff, a flight, and a landing.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the focus on the wing-spar is critical because it is a primary load-bearing element. The recurrence of wing-related structural issues may raise concerns regarding long-term maintenance costs and the necessity of further design modifications.

What happens next for the affected aircraft?

An Airbus spokesperson said the company will discuss with EASA whether repairs are necessary for the affected jets. The company’s next steps may depend on the results of the immediate inspections performed on the five Emirates aircraft.

What happens next for the affected aircraft?

This situation follows a precedent from 2012 when the EASA ordered inspections after cracks appeared in brackets linking the wing skin to internal ribs. That previous issue affected the entire global A380 fleet and resulted in a costly repair programme and subsequent design changes for newer planes.

Qantas has been contacted for comment regarding the single aircraft in its fleet subject to the order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many A380 planes are being inspected?
A total of 16 planes are being inspected: 15 operated by Emirates and one by Qantas.

What specific part of the aircraft is damaged?
The cracks were found in the wing-spar structure, a beam that carries a significant portion of the aerodynamic load during flight.

What is the deadline for the non-immediate inspections?
The remaining 11 aircraft must be inspected before their thirteenth flight, or within 25 cycles (one takeoff, flight, and landing per cycle).

How do structural maintenance directives like these influence your confidence in superjumbo travel?