Vietnam Airlines said that the entire Airbus A320 and A321 fleet of Vietnam Airlines has completed the software update in accordance with the request of Airbus and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam before the deadline of 6:59 a.m. on November 30, Vietnam time (ie 23:59 a.m. on November 29, UTC). After completing the update, the aircraft have been put back into normal operation.
Airbus' technical requirements have been issued to ensure maximum safety for global exploitation.
Immediately after receiving the information, Vietnam Airlines immediately activated the technical process and deployed it synchronously at three main technical centers: Noi Bai, Da Nang and Tan Son Nhat. The processing process is quick with full tools, software and instructions from the manufacturer.
Close coordination between technical departments, operations and flight operations helps Vietnam Airlines complete requirements ahead of schedule and minimize the impact on flight schedules.
On November 29 and from November 30, the airline's operations will operate normally and fully meet the safety standards of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.
Vietnam Airlines expressed that the airline always prioritizes safety factors, proactively completes technical requirements early and is ready to activate necessary measures to maintain the highest safety control level. The airline continues to commit to providing passengers with smooth, stable and reliable flights.
Previously, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, at 11:00 p.m. on November 28, 2025 (16:00 p.m. - UTC), the Airbus Aircraft Manufacturer sent an urgent warning message (AOT); at the same time, the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) issued the Emergency Flight Eligibility Directive (EAD) No. 2025-0268-E requesting airlines around the world that are operating aircraft produced by Airbus, including A319, A320, A321, to replace equipment or update ELAC computer control software (altitude control and flight direction). Effective before the first flight from 6:59 a.m. on November 30, 2025, Vietnam time).
That same night, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam held an urgent meeting with Vietnamese airlines to implement. According to reports from airlines (at 5:30 a.m. on November 29, 2025), the number of affected aircraft was 81/169 A320/A321.
Therefore, in the coming days, some flights of airlines will also be affected by the implementation of this order. The airlines have also reviewed and prepared materials, spare parts, software, and human resources to immediately deploy and set a goal of completing the contents as required by EASA and the Airbus aircraft manufacturer as soon as possible, and also urgently reviewed the exploitation plan especially on November 30 and December 1 to make appropriate adjustments, promptly inform passengers and minimize flight cancellations that affect passengers.
This was an irresistible situation. To ensure aviation safety, maintain smooth air transportation, and limit the impact on passengers, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam issued Official Dispatch No. 5924/CD-CHK dated November 29, 2025.
The Department requires Vietnamese airlines to: (i) Proactively organize immediate implementation and fully comply with the contents of EAD 2025-0268-E; (ii) based on the progress of EAD implementation, review the exploitation plan, adjust flight schedule accordingly, minimize the impact on passengers; (iii) promptly notify passengers about changes to flight schedules on all information and customer care channels; (iv) support and facilitate passengers in changing their routes due to flight cancellation, flight time changes (no flight change fees, refunds, arrangement of the most recent flight); (v) strictly implement the responsibility and obligations of the air carrier in case of delayed or canceled flights; (vi) coordinate, support and share resources to ensure quality and progress of EAD implementation.
For Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV), Van Don International Airport, based on the flight plan, the Department requires coordination with Vietnamese and international airlines, Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation (VATM) to ensure safe, secure and orderly operation at airports; support and serve affected passengers.
Airports are assigned to coordinate with airports in coordinating exploitation activities; perform on-duty, inspect, monitor safety and service quality at airports; handle issues arising at airports in accordance with their authority, not allowing incidents affecting security and safety of operations to arise.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam also requires units to report to the Department on implementation results; promptly report difficulties, problems and arising issues for the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam to consider and direct.
