Urgent Inspections Ordered for 16 A380 Jets After Wing Cracks Discovered.

A380 Inspections Required Due to Detected Cracks

According to Novyny.live: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has mandated immediate checks on 16 A380 aircraft following the discovery of cracks in a structural wing beam. This directive targets planes operated by Emirates and Qantas, with 15 of the affected A380s belonging to Emirates and one to Qantas.

Inspections must begin within 48 hours of receiving the order. The cracks were identified during checks carried out under an EASA directive issued in December 2025. All A380s with a similar production history have already been flagged, streamlining the inspection process.

A380 Production and Operation

It is worth noting that Airbus discontinued production of the A380 in 2021. Additionally, Airbus will immediately inspect five of the aircraft to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. For context, the A380 is a double-deck, wide-body airliner that first entered service in 2007. Other airlines that operate A380s include:

• Singapore Airlines
• British Airways
• Lufthansa
• Qatar Airways
• Korean Air
• Etihad Airways
• ANA
• Asiana Airlines

This situation highlights the critical need for ongoing safety monitoring of aircraft, especially for models no longer in production. The detected cracks could pose serious flight safety risks, making swift action by EASA and Airbus essential to prevent potential incidents. This may also impact the continued operation of A380s by various carriers, as maintenance and repair demands for these jets become increasingly pressing.