EASA Issues Emergency Airworthiness Directive for Airbus A319/A320/A321 Family

By Captain Bassani - ATPL/B-727/DC-10/B-767 - Former Air Accident Inspector SIA PT. captbassani@gmail.com - Dec/2025 - https://www.personalflyer.com.br

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Executive Summary

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) number 2025-0268-E, dated November 27, 2025, effective November 29, 2025 at 23:59 UTC, mandating immediate maintenance actions for the Airbus A319/A320/A321 family (both CEO and NEO configurations).

Background and Directive Rationale

On October 30, 2025, JetBlue Flight B6-1230, operating an Airbus A320-200 aircraft (registration N605JB) on the Cancun-Newark route, experienced a limited uncommanded pitch-down event during cruise flight, approximately 70 NM southwest of Tampa, while at FL350. During the event, the aircraft experienced an altitude loss of approximately 100 feet in seven seconds, while the autopilot remained engaged throughout the entire occurrence.

Technical investigation conducted by Airbus identified a malfunction of the Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC) B L104 as the probable contributing factor to this event. Subsequent analysis determined that intense solar radiation, associated with Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) activity, caused data corruption in the ELAC B L104 memory, resulting in erroneous pitch control commands.

Technical Scope and Risk Analysis of Aircraft Affected

This directive applies to all aircraft of the Airbus A319, A320, and A321 families, regardless of production period or engine variant (CEO or NEO), as specified in EASA airworthiness documentation.

Aircraft are classified into two operational groups:

• Group 1: Aircraft with affected ELAC B L104 installed, as defined in configurations specified by Airbus AOT A27N022-25. Estimates indicate approximately 6,000 active aircraft worldwide require repair prior to next commercial operation.

• Group 2: Aircraft without the affected ELAC B L104 installed. These aircraft do not require immediate action; however, installation of this component is expressly prohibited after the effective date of this directive.

Structural Risk Analysis

According to EASA technical analysis, if uncorrected, this condition can result in uncommanded elevator movement that exceeds aircraft structural limits in more critical scenarios. Data corruption caused by solar radiation may generate erroneous signals for pitch and roll commands, compromising flight control system integrity.

Compliance Requirements

Mandatory Actions for Group 1 Aircraft (Equipped with Affected ELAC B L104)

In accordance with EAD 2025-0268-E, all Group 1 aircraft must comply with the following actions prior to next flight after November 29, 2025 at 23:59 UTC:

1. Removal of affected ELAC B L104: each ELAC B L104 identified through Airbus AOT A27N022-25 must be removed from the aircraft.

2. Installation of serviceable ELAC: replace or modify the affected ELAC with a serviceable ELAC, defined as ELAC B L103+ or equivalent approved version, in accordance with Airbus technical instructions AOT A27N022-25.

3. Software modification alternative: as permitted by AOT, software modification (update) of the ELAC may be performed, provided that an approved solution is available at the maintenance location.

4. Ferry Flight Operations (Positioning Flights)

This directive permits limited positioning flights exclusively to ferry the aircraft to a location where repair can be performed.

The following restrictions apply:

• Maximum of three flight cycles (takeoff and landing)

• Unpressurized cabin (no passengers aboard)

• Non-ETOPS configuration (Extended Range Twin-Engine Operational Performance Standards)

• Positioning only to approved maintenance facility

• Prohibition on reinstallation

Following modification or replacement, reinstallation of any affected ELAC B L104 is expressly prohibited on any aircraft. Additionally, no aircraft (Group 1 or Group 2) may have the affected ELAC B L104 installed after the effective date of this directive.

Operational Impact and Compliance Deadline

The directive becomes effective November 29, 2025 at 23:59 UTC. This date marks the beginning of the compliance period, during which no Group 1 aircraft with affected ELAC B L104 may be operated in passenger service until repair is completed.

Industry Impact

EASA recognized that this directive will cause near-term operational disruptions, particularly during high-traffic travel periods in North America following the Thanksgiving holiday. Operators of significant fleets, including IndiGo (approximately 338 affected aircraft estimated), American Airlines (approximately 340 A320s in total fleet), and other global airlines, face immediate logistical pressure to ensure compliance.

Airbus acknowledged that necessary actions will result in "significant operational disruptions" for operators and passengers; however, reaffirmed that safety remains the paramount priority.

This directive represents decisive regulatory action based on solid technical evidence from a confirmed safety event in commercial operation. The rapid regulatory response — from incident occurrence (October 30) through emergency directive issuance (November 27) — reflects EASA's commitment to operational flight safety.

Safe flights!

Captain Luiz Bassani

Official Reference Documentation

• EASA Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2025-0268-E: https://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2025-0268-E

• EASA Official Newsroom: https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/newsroom-and-events/news/easa-issues-emergency-airworthiness-directive-airbus-320-family

• Airbus Operations and Maintenance Guidance: AOT A27N022-25 (as referenced in EAD 2025-0268-E)

• Professional Aviation Media Coverage: AVweb, The Aviation Brief, and authorized aeronautical industry publications

• Final Considerations for Operators

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