All 68 Airbus A380 jumbo jets must be inspected for wing cracks within six weeks, the European Air Safety Agency (EASA) announced Wednesday.

The EASA had previously said only those jets that had completed more than 1,300 takeoff and landing cycles – about one third of the worldwide fleet – would be required to undergo inspection.

Qantas has grounded one of its A380s (Creative Commons)

In the wake of the news, Qantas grounded one of its A380s after 36 separate wing cracks were discovered, Reuters reported.

Cracks in the L-shaped part that attaches the exterior aluminium to the wing’s interior structure were first discovered two years ago.

EASA, in a directive to airlines, from Reuters:

"This condition, if not detected and corrected, may lead to a reduction of the structural integrity of the aeroplane.”

Bob Mann, president of aviation advisory firm R.W. Mann & Co., from Bloomberg:

“It’s understandably concerning to passengers… The presumption is that airlines aren’t supposed to have cracks, when in fact they all do.”

Singapore Airlines, Air France, Emirates, Qantas, China Southern, Korean Air and Lufthansa operate A380s.

The Airbus jumbo jet has been in service since 2007.