Airbus Orders A380 Inspections After Wing Cracks Found

The cracks were discovered in a critical wing-spar component, a structural beam carrying significant aerodynamic load, which Airbus confirmed reduces the structural integrity of the wing. Five Emirates aircraft require immediate inspection, commencing June 24, while the remaining 11 aircraft must undergo checks before completing another 25 flight cycles.

Airbus will consult with EASA to determine necessary repair protocols. This incident marks a recurrence of wing-related issues for the A380, as EASA previously ordered fleet-wide inspections in 2012 due to cracks in wing-skin brackets, leading to a costly repair program and subsequent design modifications by Airbus.