Emirates to inspect A380 jets after Airbus wing crack concerns trigger urgent safety checks
Emirates has not disclosed how many aircraft in its fleet are affected.
French jet manufacturer Airbus said five A380 aircraft with similar production histories have been identified for immediate inspection.
The Dubai-based airline, the world’s largest operator of the A380, said it would comply with the airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), with inspections set to begin within the next 48 hours.
“Emirates will comply and carry out the inspections required in accordance with the airworthiness directive. Inspections will commence within the next 48 hours, and any work required will be carried out before releasing aircraft to service,” the airline said.
“We remain in close contact with Airbus and the relevant authorities to minimise any disruption to the operating schedule," the airline said in a statement to Gulf News.
What needs inspection
Airbus said the inspections stem from checks required under a December 2025 EASA airworthiness directive covering the aircraft’s mid-spar structure — a key component of the wing that carries significant loads during flight.
“Following the December 2025 AD (AD 2025-0280), mandating inspections on the Mid Spars, specific findings prompted Airbus to inform EASA and to recommend inspections on a subpopulation of A380s,” the aircraft manufacturer said.
“All aircraft with similar histories were identified. There are five aircraft. Airbus is supporting the inspection of these five aircraft.”
The planemaker said further action would depend on the results of those inspections.
“Depending on the inspection results, Airbus will assess with EASA whether repairs are necessary or if the aircraft can return to commercial service,” it said.
The latest checks relate to cracks discovered in a structural beam inside the wing. The European aviation safety agency issued additional inspection requirements after the findings raised concerns that damage in the area could affect the structural integrity of the wing.
Emirates has not disclosed how many aircraft in its fleet are subject to inspection. The airline operates more than 100 A380s, making up more than half of the aircraft’s active global fleet.
The A380 entered commercial service in 2007 and remains a flagship aircraft for long-haul travel, despite Airbus ending production of the superjumbo in 2021.
