Vietnam will replace flight-control units on 81 Airbus A320/321 aircraft, a move expected to cause delays and cancellations in the coming days. Photo by R.T.
In an emergency meeting late on November 28, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) said 81 of the country’s 169 A320/321 aircraft must undergo component replacement.
The meeting followed a directive issued the same day by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, requiring all operators of Airbus A319, A320 and A321 aircraft worldwide to replace or update the ELAC computer software responsible for managing altitude and heading. The rule takes effect at 06:59 on November 30 Vietnam time.
Aviation authorities described the situation as unavoidable. To ensure safety and minimise disruption, airlines have been ordered to urgently replace the hardware or update the ELAC software, review flight schedules and adjust operations to limit passenger impact.
CAAV's head Uong Viet Dung told the meeting that some flights in the coming days would be affected as airlines comply with manufacturer requirements. Carriers have prepared materials, spare parts, software and technical staff to begin work immediately, aiming to complete the process as quickly as possible in line with EASA and Airbus instructions. Airlines are also reviewing operations for November 30 and December 1 to minimise cancellations.
Airlines must also facilitate passenger itinerary changes resulting from cancellations or schedule shifts. They are required to waive change fees, process refunds and arrange the nearest available flights, while fulfilling all obligations in cases of delays or cancellations.
Vietnam currently has 14 commercial and specialised airlines operating 254 aircraft, a fleet expected to reach 400 by 2030. Airlines fly 52 domestic routes and 211 international routes.
