Emirates to carry out A380 inspections after European emergency directive

Emirates will carry out inspections of 15 A380 aircraft over the next 48 hours after European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an emergency directive following discovery of cracks in wing structural components.

The directive, initially issued on June 22, requested that 16 Airbus A380 planes be inspected, 15 of which are operated by Emirates and one by Australia's flag carrier Qantas, with a focus on the specific structures inside the wing box.

The inspections take effect starting Wednesday, with Emirates noting in a statement that "any work required will be carried out before releasing aircraft to service".

"We remain in close contact with Airbus and the relevant authorities to minimise any disruption to the operating schedule," the Dubai airline added. 

Previous data on aircraft inspections have revealed that cracks in the wing box could potentially affect the structural function of the parts if not addressed properly.