Thousands of passenger planes need repairs to prevent pilot control loss during solar storms

Solar Storm Risk for Airbus A320 Fleet

Around 6,000 single-aisle Airbus A320 aircraft, the world's bestselling passenger planes, require technical modifications to ensure safe operation during solar geomagnetic storms.

Reason for Concern

Investigations have shown that electromagnetic disturbances caused by solar flares can interfere with onboard sensors and flight control systems. This interference increases the risk of temporary loss of pilot control or misinformation on cockpit displays, particularly when aircraft are flying at high altitudes near polar routes.

Recommended Action

Experts have advised immediate inspections and software upgrades to shield flight systems from solar radiation effects. Airlines operating Airbus A320 variants are expected to follow the new safety protocols within the next maintenance cycles.

“It's a rare but potentially serious risk,” aviation safety analysts noted.

Background

Solar storms, caused by bursts of charged particles from the sun, can disrupt communication, navigation, and onboard electronics. The growing reliance on digital flight management systems has made modern aircraft more susceptible to such events compared to older analog systems.

Author’s summary: Authorities warn that roughly 6,000 Airbus A320 aircraft need protective updates to prevent flight control issues triggered by electromagnetic interference during solar storms.

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Gulf Coast News and Weather Gulf Coast News and Weather — 2025-11-29

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