How many A380s face immediate inspection, and what triggers timing?

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Airbus will inspect five A380s immediately, with the rest timed to before their 13th flight
Airbus said five A380 aircraft will undergo immediate inspection after cracks were found in a key wing component, specifically a structural beam that carries much of the aerodynamic load during flight. For the remaining 11 A380s, the inspection timing is set before their thirteenth flight, which corresponds to 25 flight cycles. The trigger for the timing is the cracking discovery reported during routine maintenance checks, which led EASA to issue an urgent inspection directive in December 2025.
Five A380s will be inspected right away
The immediate inspections involve five A380 aircraft operated by Emirates. Airbus stated these five planes were to begin the process as soon as Wednesday, following the discovery of cracks in the wing-spar structure during routine maintenance checks. EASA’s urgent inspections order covers airlines to examine the wing-spar structure on the affected jets.
The remaining 11 A380s must be checked before their 13th flight
Airbus also specified that the other 11 A380s can be inspected later, but not after a defined point in their usage. The deadline is before the thirteenth flight, described as 25 cycles, with one cycle consisting of a flight, a takeoff, and a landing. This timing requirement is part of the urgent inspections ordered by EASA.
The trigger is cracks found during routine maintenance checks
The inspection requirement was triggered by inspectors finding cracks in the wing-spar structure during routine maintenance checks. Airbus said the cracks appeared in a structural beam running along the wing and carrying much of the aerodynamic load during flight. Airbus linked the finding to a potential reduction in wing structural integrity.
The inspections stem from an EASA directive issued in December 2025
EASA ordered the inspections through a directive issued in December 2025. Airbus said it would inspect 16 A380 planes in total, with 15 operated by Emirates and one by Qantas, all identified as having the same production history. Airbus also said it would discuss with EASA whether repairs are necessary after the immediate inspections.

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How many A380s face immediate inspection, and what triggers timing?

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