Airbus A380s to Undergo Inspection After Cracks Found on Plane Wings

Airbus and major carriers including Qantas and Emirates are inspecting 16 A380 aircraft after cracks were discovered on the planes’ wings, according to multiple reports from the Wall Street Journal, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and The National. The inspections follow a newly identified structural issue that could ground flights if repairs are required.

The A380, the world’s largest passenger jet, has been a cornerstone of long-haul aviation for nearly two decades, but the latest findings mark the first major structural concern since the type entered service in 2007. Airbus confirmed the issue on June 23, 2026, instructing operators to conduct "urgent" visual and ultrasonic inspections of affected wings. The manufacturer has not yet disclosed whether the cracks pose an immediate safety risk or if any flights have been canceled.

Why are 16 A380s being inspected?
Airbus’s directive applies to 16 aircraft currently in service, though the company has not specified which airlines own the affected planes. Qantas, which operates the largest A380 fleet outside of Emirates, has begun inspections on its five remaining A380s, the carrier confirmed in a statement to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Emirates, the world’s largest A380 operator with 120 aircraft, is also reviewing its fleet, though the airline has not yet disclosed how many planes require scrutiny.

The cracks were first identified during routine maintenance checks, according to the Wall Street Journal. Airbus engineers have since determined the issue stems from "fatigue-induced" stress in the wing’s upper skin, a problem that can develop over time due to repeated pressure cycles. The manufacturer has not ruled out the possibility of additional aircraft being affected as inspections proceed.

How does this compare to past A380 issues?
This is not the first structural concern for the A380. In 2012, Airbus grounded the entire fleet after discovering cracks in the wing carry-through box—a different but similarly critical component—leading to a six-month inspection campaign. That incident cost airlines an estimated $1 billion in lost revenue and delayed flights for major carriers. The current issue, while less severe in scope, carries echoes of that earlier crisis, particularly for airlines that rely heavily on the A380 for premium long-haul routes.

Unlike the 2012 problem, however, the latest cracks appear localized to the wing’s upper skin rather than a primary load-bearing structure. Airbus has stated that no in-service A380 has experienced a structural failure linked to the issue, but the manufacturer is treating the findings with "high priority." The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are monitoring the situation but have not issued formal advisories.

What happens next for airlines and passengers?
Airlines are expected to complete inspections within days, with results determining whether repairs are needed. If structural damage is confirmed, Airbus may recommend temporary grounding while fixes are applied—a scenario that could disrupt schedules for carriers like Singapore Airlines, which has 19 A380s, and Lufthansa, which operates 14. Qantas has already begun reducing A380 flights in anticipation of potential delays, though the airline has not canceled any routes.

Passengers may face disruptions if repairs require aircraft to be taken out of service. Emirates, for instance, has not announced any changes to its schedule, but industry analysts warn that even minor delays could ripple through global hubs like Dubai and Sydney, where the A380 is a key asset. The longer-term impact depends on whether Airbus can quickly develop a permanent fix or if airlines must source replacement parts, a process that could take months.

Will this affect the A380’s future?
The inspections come as Airbus faces pressure to extend the A380’s operational life beyond its planned 2027 retirement. The manufacturer has previously stated that the jet remains economically viable for carriers with high-demand routes, but the latest issue could accelerate the phase-out for some operators. Singapore Airlines, for example, has already announced plans to retire its A380s by 2028, citing rising maintenance costs and competition from newer aircraft like the Airbus A350.

For now, Airbus is emphasizing that the inspections are a "precautionary measure" and that the A380 remains "safe to operate." The company has not provided a timeline for when repairs might be completed or whether the issue will lead to design changes for future A380s. If the cracks are found to be widespread, however, the incident could reignite debates over the jet’s long-term viability, particularly as airlines shift toward more fuel-efficient models.

Key figures and deadlines

• 16 aircraft currently undergoing inspections (Airbus, June 23, 2026).
• Qantas: 5 A380s inspected; no flights canceled yet (ABC, June 24, 2026).
• Emirates: 120 A380s in fleet; inspections underway (The National, June 24, 2026).
• 2012 precedent: 57 A380s grounded for six months after wing-box cracks (WSJ archives).
• EASA/FAA: Monitoring but no formal advisories issued as of June 24, 2026.