The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has ordered urgent inspections on 16 Airbus A380 aircraft after cracks were discovered in a critical wing component during routine maintenance checks. The affected planes include 15 operated by Emirates and one by Qantas, with five Emirates jets requiring immediate inspection as early as Wednesday.
Wing cracks discovered during routine checks
Inspectors found cracks in a structural beam that runs along the wing and carries much of the aerodynamic load during flight. The cracks were detected during inspections mandated by an EASA directive issued in December 2025. Airbus stated that the cracks could reduce the structural integrity of the wing.
Airbus identified all A380s with the same production history and will carry out immediate inspections on five aircraft, all operated by Emirates. The remaining 11 planes must be inspected before their 13th flight cycle, with one cycle comprising a flight, takeoff, and landing.
Emirates and Qantas affected
Emirates operates the world's largest A380 fleet, with over half of all active superjumbos. The five aircraft to be inspected immediately are all Emirates planes. Qantas has one A380 among the 16 affected and has been contacted for comment. Other A380 operators include Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Etihad Airways, ANA, and Asiana Airlines, though they are not affected by this directive.
Previous A380 wing issues
This is not the first time the A380 has faced wing-related problems. In 2012, EASA ordered inspections after cracks were found in brackets linking the wing skin to internal ribs, affecting the entire global A380 fleet. That issue led to a costly repair programme, with design changes implemented on later-produced planes. Airbus will now discuss with EASA whether repairs are necessary for the current cracks.
An Airbus spokesperson confirmed that the company will work with the aviation safety agency to determine next steps. The grounding of these aircraft is expected to impact flight schedules for Emirates and Qantas, though both airlines have yet to release detailed statements.
