Aircraft maker Airbus recalled thousands of its A320 family aircraft over the weekend for a software fix, in what has been described as one of the largest directives ever for the company. In an odd twist, radiation from the sun appears to play a central role in these events.

The A320 recently surpassed the Boeing 737 to become the most delivered jetliner in history, and the recall caused havoc to varying degrees for airlines all around the world. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said that the recalls were “causing significant logistical challenges and delays.” Colombian airline Avianca said that the issue had affected more than 70% of its fleet and that it had to close ticket sales for flights through December 8.

The impact of the recall was less severe stateside. Delta and United reported

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