A third of all Airbus A380 aircraft are being inspected after cracks were spotted in the wings of two of the double-decker aircraft during routine two-year safety inspections.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is carrying out the urgent checks on up to 20 more aircraft after the cracks were discovered in L-shaped brackets inside the wings.
They are examining A380s operated by several airlines including Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Air France, but stressed there was no immediate threat to safety. "This condition, if not detected and corrected, could potentially affect the structural integrity of the aeroplane," the EASA explained in its directive.
It said cracks could develop over a period of time. Some aircraft have already been inspected and the rest, which have made les than 1,800 flights, must be checked within six weeks.
Emirates said one of its A380s had already been inspected and a second is currently under inspection. "The directive poses no impact on Emirates operations," said a company spokesman. "The aircraft remain fully airworthy and pose no risk to flight safety, as affirmed by EASA and Airbus.
"The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority."
By Bev Fearis and Linsey McNeill
