Late on November 28, EASA issued an urgent bulletin to all Airbus-operating countries, mandating an immediate software update - or temporary grounding - of aircraft running ELAC version L104. Vietnam’s aviation authority acted promptly by issuing nationwide instructions.

Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) activated contingency protocols to avoid mass delays or cancellations and maintain air traffic control capacity at major airports.

The global safety order stemmed from a rare incident in the United States in late October. A JetBlue Airbus A320 experienced a sudden nose-down movement mid-flight due to a cosmic radiation particle - emitted during a solar storm - interfering with the aircraft’s ELAC control computer, causing a critical data error and a false system response.

Modern fly-by-wire aircraft rely heavily on computers and microchips, making them increasingly susceptible to cosmic radiation at high altitudes. The L104 software version, due to its complexity, is more prone to “bit-flip” errors, which prompted calls for urgent downgrades or patches to ensure safety.

Vietnam responds swiftly to maintain air travel stability

The A320 and A321 form the core of Vietnam’s commercial fleet, with 81 out of 169 aircraft requiring the ELAC update. A simultaneous grounding of all affected planes would have caused widespread disruption - but that scenario was averted.

On the night of November 28, airlines held emergency meetings, shared data loading equipment, and mobilized technical crews to work through the night to install and verify the updated software.

Wide-body aircraft such as the A350 and Boeing 787 were assigned additional flights to absorb passenger demand. Flight schedules were adjusted flexibly, and ticket change/refund policies were activated immediately.

Thanks to strong coordination between technical teams, operations, and air traffic management, Vietnam only experienced a few minor delays. No mass cancellations occurred, and there were no scenes of passenger congestion at airports. Vietnam was recognized as one of the quickest responders globally, maintaining operational stability during the technical crisis.

Vietnam's aviation safety capabilities reaffirmed

Vietnam currently holds FAA Category 1 status - the highest aviation safety rating by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration - signifying that its airlines meet stringent international safety standards.

After the software updates, all affected A320 and A321 aircraft resumed normal operations.

This incident highlights the growing challenges of aviation technology in facing natural phenomena. It also underscores the critical role of human oversight in monitoring, operating, and resolving complex safety situations.

Aviation safety is a process of continuous improvement. Vietnam’s swift and unified response to the ELAC issue is a clear demonstration of its ability to handle crises professionally and proactively - an essential factor in guaranteeing safe flights for all.

Nguyen Phuoc Thang (Hoa Binh University) - Vu Diep