Airbus to inspect 16 Emirates, Qantas A380s after wing cracks found

Toulouse: Airbus said on Tuesday it would inspect 16 A380 aircraft, five of them immediately, after cracks were found in one of the main wing components of the planes used by Emirates and Qantas airlines.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) ordered urgent inspections requiring airlines to examine the wing spar structure on affected jets after inspectors found cracks during routine maintenance checks.

Also read: Airbus executive: A330 neo aircraft could be a very good option for Indian aviation market

The cracks appeared in the structural beam that runs the length of the wing and carries most of the aerodynamic load during flight.

Of the 16 aircraft to be inspected, 15 are operated by Emirates and one by Qantas. The five aircraft to be inspected immediately were flown by Emirates and were due to go through the process as soon as Wednesday.

Airlines using the A380 include Emirates, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Etihad Airways, ANA and Asiana Airlines.
Emirates operates the world’s largest A380 fleet, flying more than half of all active superjumbo aircraft. The European plane maker said cracks were discovered in the aircraft during inspections ordered by EASA in a directive issued in December 2025 that “could reduce the structural integrity of the wing”.

All A380s “with the same production history” have been identified and Airbus will carry out immediate inspections on the five aircraft.

An Airbus spokesman said the Toulouse-based aircraft manufacturer would discuss with EASA whether repairs were necessary.

The other 11 aircraft could be inspected later, but before their thirteenth flight, i.e. before 25 cycles; A cycle consists of flight, takeoff and landing.

Also read: KKR invests $1.4 billion in aircraft leasing, eyes airlines, Boeing and Airbus

The A380 has faced problems with the wings before, and in 2012, EASA requested an inspection after cracks were found in the brackets connecting the wing surface to the inner ribs.

This affected the entire global A380 fleet and led to a costly repair programme, which Airbus addressed through design changes on subsequently produced aircraft.