Airbus Issues Urgent Alert: All A320, A321 Aircraft in Vietnam Complete Critical Software Updates

All Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft operated by Vietnamese airlines have successfully completed the software update for the ELAC flight control computer, as mandated by Airbus and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) before the deadline of 6:59 AM on November 30.

As a result, operations for Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet have returned to normal, no longer impacted by the urgent software update directive from EASA and Airbus.

Upon receiving the notification from Airbus and the directive from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) at midnight on November 28, the airlines immediately activated their technical procedures, coordinating the software update across affected Airbus aircraft at the three main technical centers: Noi Bai, Da Nang, and Tan Son Nhat.

The process was executed swiftly, supported by comprehensive tools, software, and guidance from the manufacturer, along with seamless collaboration between technical, operational, and flight management teams. This ensured the updates were completed ahead of schedule, minimizing disruptions to flight schedules.

Starting November 30, airline operations resumed normally, fully compliant with the safety standards set by the CAAV.

Director of the CAAV, Uong Viet Dung, commended the proactive and responsible response of Vietnamese airlines in updating the software for a large number of Airbus aircraft. They adhered strictly to the manufacturer’s and EASA’s directives, maintained operational plans, and provided timely support to affected passengers.

Notably, Vietnamese airlines demonstrated exceptional unity and mutual support, aligning with the CAAV’s directives.

During the update process, some flights experienced unavoidable schedule adjustments. The CAAV and airlines express gratitude to passengers for their understanding, empathy, and support.

Previously, at 11:00 PM on November 28 (Vietnam time), Airbus issued an urgent alert (AOT), and EASA released EAD No. 2025-0268-E, requiring airlines operating Airbus A319, A320, and A321 models to replace equipment or update the ELAC software, effective before the first flight on November 30, 2025, at 6:59 AM Vietnam time.

Of the 169 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft operated by Vietnamese airlines, 81 were affected. Vietjet had 69 affected aircraft, with the remainder belonging to Vietnam Airlines.

On the morning of November 30, Vietnam Airlines confirmed that all its Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft had completed the software update as required by Airbus and the CAAV ahead of schedule. Following the update, the aircraft resumed normal operations.

Vietjet also announced that it had mobilized domestic and international resources, working closely with the CAAV and Airbus to expedite the update process. By 3:00 AM on November 30, the airline had updated all 69 Airbus A320/A321 aircraft, nearly 4 hours ahead of the deadline set by authorities and Airbus.