Airbus plane software issue expected to cause flight delays during busy Thanksgiving weekend

Airbus Faces Software Glitch Amid Holiday Travel Rush

Airbus has reported a software problem that could disrupt flights during the busy Thanksgiving weekend. The company traced the issue to a potential reaction between onboard systems and what engineers described as "intense solar radiation," which may corrupt vital data used for flight operations.

Details of the Technical Problem

According to Airbus, the software issue affects how certain aircraft process navigational data. The flaw, when triggered, might lead to temporary interruptions in communication or require manual resets from the cockpit crew. The company emphasized that flight safety remains uncompromised, as the aircraft systems are designed with multiple safeguards.

"We have identified an apparent problem linked to intense solar radiation that could affect flight operations," Airbus said in a statement shared with CBS News.

Airlines and Industry Response

Several airlines operating Airbus jets have been advised to prepare for possible ground delays or mid-route resets while the manufacturer works on a software update. The problem is considered minor in terms of flight risk but could cause logistical challenges due to increased travel volumes during the holiday period.

Aviation regulators are monitoring the situation and coordinating with carriers to ensure minimal disruption. Maintenance teams have been instructed to apply interim procedures until a permanent fix is released.

Passenger Impacts

Airlines are cautioning travelers to check flight statuses regularly, as brief delays could occur while crews update systems between flights. So far, no cancellations have been reported directly related to the issue.

"This timing is unfortunate given the heavy demand on the U.S. travel network this weekend," an airline operations manager told the outlet.

The software patch from Airbus is expected to roll out within days, pending regulatory clearance.

Summary

Airbus is addressing a software problem linked to solar radiation that could cause temporary flight delays during the busy Thanksgiving weekend, though safety remains unaffected.

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CBS News CBS News — 2025-11-28

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