A major software glitch in Airbus jets prompted the cancellation of hundreds of flights worldwide, disrupting the busy holiday travel season.

The European planemaker stated the issue could affect over 6,500 aircraft, and regulators have mandated that a software upgrade be completed before any affected plane can fly again.

Airlines grounded flights and scrambled to update their A320 fleets, a rare global recall that upended travel for thousands.

The disruption was widespread, Colombia’s Avianca, with over 70 per cent of its fleet idled, stopped selling tickets until Dec. 8.

Meanwhile, Japan’s ANA canceled 95 flights in a single day, affecting some 13,200 passengers.

Prompted by a JetBlue incident where solar radiation disrupted a jet’s flight control data, European regulators ordered an urgent software update.

This finding is a major problem for Airbus, as the A320 is its most widely used aircraft, with over 11,000 in service.

The sudden upgrade also posed a significant challenge for airlines, especially those operating an all-Airbus fleet.

“Airbus acknowledges these recommendations will lead to operational disruptions to passengers and customers,” the manufacturer said.