EASA orders Airbus A380 inspections after cracks found in wing component

(Sharecast News) - Airbus was facing fresh scrutiny on Wednesday after European regulators ordered urgent inspections of 16 A380 aircraft operated by Emirates and Qantas following the discovery of cracks in a key wing component.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency said cracks had been found in the wing spar structure, a load-bearing part of the wing, during earlier inspections. It said the issue could reduce the structural integrity of the wing if left unaddressed.

The directive covers 15 aircraft operated by Emirates and one by Qantas.

Five Emirates jets must be inspected before their next flight, while the remaining 11 aircraft must be checked within 25 flight cycles.

Airbus said it was supporting the inspections and would assess the findings with EASA to determine whether repairs were needed or whether the aircraft could return to service.

Emirates, the world's largest operator of the A380, said inspections would begin within 48 hours and that any required work would be completed before aircraft were released back into service.

Qantas said the directive would have no impact on its flights, as its affected A380 was already undergoing scheduled maintenance.

The A380, the world's largest passenger jet, entered service in 2007 but has previously faced wing-related issues.

In 2012, EASA ordered inspections across the fleet after cracks were found in wing brackets, leading to a costly repair programme and subsequent design changes.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.