FILE PHOTO: An aircraft is seen on production line, on the day European Council President Antonio Costa visits an Airbus facility, in Hamburg, Germany, April 14, 2025. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo

WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Airlines that delayed or cancelled U.S. flights last month due to an emergency government directive to update the software on Airbus A320 planes were not required to provide hotels, meals or other benefits to impacted passengers, the U.S. Transportation Department said Tuesday.

Major airlines have committed to offering such benefits when a cancellation or significant delay is due to circumstances within the control of a carrier. USDOT said the Airbus A320 issue -- which required immediate action under a Federal Aviation Administration directive -- did not trigger the requirement.

(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington)