The safety inspections and required maintenance on Airbus A320 aircraft are underway, the UAE regulator confirmed to Khaleej Times on Saturday.

“Following the Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regarding the worldwide Airbus A320 fleet, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirms that safety inspections and required maintenance on A320 aircraft operated by UAE national carriers are currently underway,” the GCAA said in a statement.

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The European aircraft manufacturer late on Friday ordered immediate repairs to 6,000 of its A320 family of jets in a sweeping recall affecting more than half the global fleet.

The aviation UAE regulator GCAA emphasised that it is “closely coordinating with EASA and all concerned operators to ensure full compliance with airworthiness and safety requirements.”

It said these inspections aim to maintain the highest standards of operational safety and to ensure uninterrupted flight operations across the UAE.

According to data shared by Cirium, a total of 106 Airbus A320 aircraft are in operation by UAE carriers Air Arabia and Etihad Airways.

Air Arabia said it is “working to ensure minimal impact” of the recall of Airbus A320 aircraft.

“We confirm that we have received the directive issued by Airbus concerning the A320 aircraft type operated by airlines worldwide, which requires a number of aircraft to undergo specific software and technical updates. In line with this advisory, we are implementing the required measures across the impacted aircraft in our fleet,” said an Air Arabia spokesperson in a statement to the newspaper.

“We are working to ensure minimal impact on our customers. In the event of any schedule adjustments, affected passengers will be notified directly,” the statement said.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said its flights have returned to normal scheduled operations following the successful installation of the required Airbus software update across its A320 fleet.

“Thanks to the exceptional efforts of our operational and technical teams, the update was completed quickly and with minimal disruption - despite this being one of the busiest travel periods at Zayed International Airport ahead of the long weekend,” the airline said in a statement.

The GCAA said all operators remain committed to applying any technical updates issued by manufacturers or relevant authorities.

“The UAE’s regulatory oversight system continues to ensure the prompt and effective implementation of all safety directives in line with international civil aviation standards,” it said.