Multiple Airbus A380s need urgent wing inspections
Airlines operating the A380 include Emirates, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Etihad Airways, ANA and Asiana Airlines
ATT Desk Report 
Airbus will inspect 16 A380 aircraft, including five immediately, after cracks were discovered in a key wing component on planes operated by Emirates and Qantas.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has ordered urgent inspections requiring airlines to examine the wing spar structure on the affected aircraft after cracks were detected during routine maintenance checks.
The cracks were found in a structural beam running along the wing that carries a significant portion of the aerodynamic load during flight.
Of the 16 aircraft affected, 15 are operated by Emirates and one by Qantas. The five aircraft requiring immediate inspections are all part of the Emirates fleet and were scheduled to undergo checks as early as Wednesday.
Airlines operating the A380 include Emirates, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Qantas, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Etihad Airways, ANA and Asiana Airlines.
Emirates operates the world's largest A380 fleet, accounting for more than half of all active superjumbo aircraft.
Airbus said cracks that "could reduce the structural integrity of the wing" were discovered during inspections ordered by EASA under a directive issued in December 2025.
The European aircraft manufacturer said all A380s with the same production history had been identified, and immediate inspections would be carried out on five aircraft.
An Airbus spokesperson said the company would discuss with EASA whether repairs would be required.
The remaining 11 aircraft can be inspected later but must undergo checks before completing another 25 flight cycles, with one cycle consisting of a take-off, flight and landing.
The A380 has previously faced wing-related issues. In 2012, EASA ordered inspections after cracks were found in brackets connecting the wing skin to internal ribs.
That issue affected the entire global A380 fleet and resulted in a costly repair programme, which Airbus later addressed through design modifications on newer aircraft.
A Qantas spokesperson said the directive would not affect the airline's operations.
"We have one A380 that requires additional inspections," the spokesperson said in a statement. "The aircraft was already undergoing scheduled maintenance, and we will comply with any additional requirements resulting from this airworthiness directive."
