What should passengers do if their flight has been affected by the Airbus A320 grounding?
November 28, 2025
Commercial aviation has had something of a shake-up after Airbus discovered a problem affecting a sizeable portion of its global A320 fleet. A hidden flaw in flight control software could leave thousands of aircraft grounded, triggered by intense solar radiation and other solar activity.
Most of the A320 planes affected will need a software change – technically, a rollback – before they can take to the skies again. The process is expected to take around 2-3 hours per aircraft.
Here’s what to do if you’re worried your flight is affected.
Check with your airline
This latest issue could cause disruption for travellers in the coming days so if you’re due to fly soon, check with your airline to see if your flight is affected.
Airlines are responsible for looking after passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled, including providing refunds for cancelled journeys.
Essentially, it’s worth regularly checking your airline’s website, as well as the website of the airport you’re flying from, to keep up with any delays or cancellations. However, be careful – if you cancel your flight yourself, you’re unlikely to get your money back.
What if my flight is cancelled?
If your flight is cancelled, you have several options and rights. The airline must offer either a full refund for the unused ticket or an alternative flight to your destination.
While you wait, they are usually required to provide meals, refreshments, and communication options, and if an overnight stay is necessary, hotel accommodation and transport.
It’s important to contact the airline immediately to choose a refund or re‑route, keep all receipts for any extra expenses, and request written confirmation of the cancellation.
Acting quickly and documenting everything can make it much easier to secure what you’re entitled to.
What if I can’t fly because the airline changed my flight?
If your flight is changed and the new schedule means you can no longer travel, you have the right to either cancel and get a full refund or request an alternative flight that works for you.
Airlines are generally required to offer this without extra cost, and if the change causes delays, they may also provide meals, refreshments or accommodation if needed.
It’s important to contact the airline as soon as possible and get confirmation of any agreement in writing. Keeping records of communications and receipts for any expenses can also help if you need to claim reimbursement or compensation later.
Giancarlo Buono, Director of Aviation Safety at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said:
“We appreciate the impact that disruption can have on customers when flights are delayed or cancelled. This is why there are clear rules in place for airlines to look after passengers.
In the first instance, passengers should check with their airline for any expected disruption before travelling to the airport. Airlines have an obligation to look after passengers and refund cancelled flights but given the circumstances it is unlikely that compensation will be payable.”
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Featured image: Adobe Stock
