In a statement, the plane maker said: “Analysis of a recent event involving an A320 Family aircraft has revealed that intense solar radiation may corrupt data critical to the functioning of flight controls.
“Airbus has consequently identified a significant number of A320 Family aircraft currently in-service which may be impacted.”
An Airbus spokesperson told Sky News the necessary software change would affect up to 6,000 planes.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority said it is likely to mean some disruption and cancellation to flights.
Wizz Air said some of its flights over the weekend may be affected, while Air India said the issue could lead to delays.
It is understood the incident that triggered an unexpected repair involved a JetBlue flight from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, on 30 October, during which several passengers were hurt following a sharp loss of altitude.
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