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Airbus Orders A380 Wing Checks After Cracks Found

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Airbus said on Tuesday it will inspect 16 A380 aircraft after cracks were discovered in a key structural component of the wings on planes operated by Emirates and Qantas.

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Urgent Inspections Ordered for Emirates and Qantas Jets

The inspections follow an order from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which directed airlines to examine the wing-spar structure after cracks were identified during routine maintenance checks.

The affected component is a structural beam running along the wing that bears a significant portion of the aerodynamic forces generated during flight.

Five Aircraft to Be Checked Immediately

Of the 16 aircraft identified for inspection, 15 are operated by Emirates and one by Qantas. Airbus said five Emirates aircraft would undergo immediate inspections, with the process expected to begin as early as Wednesday.

The company said all A380s sharing the same production history as the affected aircraft had been identified for review.

According to Airbus, the cracks were found during inspections mandated by an EASA directive issued in December 2025. The manufacturer said the defects could potentially reduce the structural integrity of the wing.

An Airbus spokesperson said the company would work with EASA to determine whether repairs will be required on the affected aircraft.

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File photo

Remaining Checks to Follow

The other 11 aircraft do not require immediate inspections but must be examined before completing another 25 flight cycles, equivalent to 13 flights. A flight cycle includes a takeoff, flight and landing.

The A380 remains in service with several international carriers, including 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, accounting for more than half of all active aircraft of the type.

Previous Wing Issues

The latest findings revive concerns over wing-related issues that have affected the A380 in the past.

In 2012, EASA ordered inspections across the entire global A380 fleet after cracks were discovered in brackets connecting the wing skin to internal ribs. The issue led to an extensive and costly repair programme.

Airbus later introduced design modifications on newer aircraft to address the problem and prevent similar defects from occurring.

The current inspections are focused on a different wing component, with regulators and the manufacturer now assessing the extent of the issue and any corrective measures that may be required.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 24 June 2026


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