1. INTRODUCTION

This AIC notifies all Foreign Operators (FO) operating Airbus A319, A320, and A321 series aircraft into, within, or over UAE airspace of a mandatory compliance requirement concerning EASA Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EASA AD) 2025-0268-E.

This AIC formalizes the requirements initially disseminated via NOTAM (initial NOTAM number A3818/25).

2. BACKGROUND

On 28 November 2025, EASA issued Emergency AD 2025-0268-E (Effective Date: 29 November 2025 23:59 UTC) addressing an unsafe condition identified on Airbus A319, A320, and A321 series aircraft.

The EASA AD was issued following a report of an uncommanded pitch-down event, with a preliminary technical assessment identifying a malfunction of the Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC) as a possible contributing factor. This condition, if uncorrected, could lead to uncommanded elevator movement, potentially exceeding the aircraft's structural capability.

3. APPLICABILITY

This mandatory requirement applies to ALL FOREIGN OPERATORS utilizing the following aircraft types when intending to enter, land, depart, or overfly UAE airspace:

1. Airbus A319 Series
2. Airbus A320 Series
3. Airbus A321 Series

For detailed variant applicability, Foreign Operators must refer to the official text of EASA AD 2025-0268-E.

4. MANDATORY ACTIONS AND COMPLIANCE

All affected Foreign Operators must comply with the requirements specified in EASA AD 2025-0268-E and the associated Airbus Alert Operator Transmission (AOT) A27N022-25.

4.1 Required Actions (Mandatory)

Before next flight after 29 November 2025 23:59 UTC, all Group 1 aeroplanes must replace or modify the Affected ELAC (L104) with a Serviceable ELAC (L103+) in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A27N022-25. Additionally, a single ferry flight is permitted (maximum 3 Flight Cycles, non-ETOPS, no passengers) to position the aircraft to a location where the replacement or modification can be accomplished.

5. COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION

Documented evidence of compliance (e.g., Logbook entries, Maintenance Release) with EASA AD 2025-0268-E and AOT A27N022-25 may be requested and reviewed by the GCAA during Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) / Ramp Inspections.

6. REFERENCE

Foreign Operators are advised to refer to EASA AD 2025-0268-E on the EASA Safety Publications Tool at https://ad.easa.europa.eu/.

For any inquiry or clarification regarding this AIC and local compliance requirements, contact the GCAA Foreign Operator Affairs (FOA) through foa@gcaa.gov.ae‬‬.