European aviation authority orders special checks on 16 Airbus A380s over wing crack risk

European aviation authorities have ordered special inspections of some Airbus A380 aircraft after potential cracks were identified in wing structures.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) called for additional detailed inspections of certain A380s, saying cracks found on specific aircraft could affect the structural integrity of the wings, according to Bloomberg on Wednesday.

A total of 16 aircraft are subject to the checks — 15 operated by Emirates of the United Arab Emirates and one by Australia's Qantas Airways.

This is not the first time wing cracks have emerged as a concern on the A380. In 2012, cracks were discovered in internal wing components, prompting some airlines to temporarily ground the type.

The A380 is Airbus's superjumbo passenger jet. Production has been discontinued, however, as airlines shifted their preference toward smaller, more fuel-efficient aircraft, reducing demand for the type.