Foreign residents traveling within Japan faced significant disruptions on November 29, 2025, as All Nippon Airways (ANA) canceled 95 domestic flights affecting approximately 13,200 passengers due to critical software issues affecting Airbus aircraft. According to NHK, the cancellations stemmed from mandatory software update requirements for ANA's fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The airline operates 34 planes of these models, all of which required immediate system updates to address the technical fault. The widespread nature of the problem forced ANA to ground a substantial portion of its narrow-body fleet, which typically handles high-frequency domestic routes connecting major cities across Japan. The disruption created chaotic scenes at airports nationwide, particularly at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. According to Livedoor News, passengers faced extensive queues at airline service counters, with some travelers reporting wait times exceeding one hour just to reach customer service representatives. The long lines reflected both the scale of the cancellations and the challenge of rebooking thousands of affected passengers on alternative flights during what is typically a busy travel period. Airbus, the European aircraft manufacturer, acknowledged the severity of the situation through an official statement from its CEO, who issued a public apology for the technical malfunction affecting its popular A320 family aircraft. The A320 series represents Airbus's workhorse narrow-body planes, widely used by airlines globally for short to medium-haul routes. These aircraft are particularly crucial for Japan's domestic aviation network, where they serve routes between major metropolitan areas and regional destinations. For expats living in Japan, this incident highlights the vulnerability of domestic travel plans to technical disruptions affecting specific aircraft types. Unlike larger international carriers that may operate diverse fleets from multiple manufacturers, airlines heavily invested in particular aircraft families can face cascading disruptions when manufacturer-wide issues emerge. The software problem required immediate attention, forcing ANA to prioritize safety over schedule adherence. While frustrating for travelers, the airline's decision to ground affected aircraft until updates could be completed reflects standard aviation safety protocols. Software systems in modern aircraft control critical functions, and any identified faults must be addressed before planes can return to service. Passengers affected by the November 29 cancellations faced several challenges beyond rebooking flights. Many travelers had connecting arrangements, hotel reservations, or business commitments that became complicated by the unexpected delays. The concentration of disruptions at major hubs like Haneda meant that alternative transportation options, including Shinkansen bullet trains, likely experienced increased demand as passengers sought backup travel methods. For foreign residents navigating Japan's transportation system, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of travel flexibility and backup planning. While Japan's aviation industry maintains high safety and reliability standards, technical issues can emerge unexpectedly. Travelers should consider purchasing travel insurance that covers cancellations, maintaining flexible schedules when possible, and familiarizing themselves with alternative transportation options between major cities. ANA has not publicly announced whether additional cancellations will be necessary as software updates continue across its Airbus fleet. The airline's ability to complete the required updates quickly will determine whether further disruptions occur in the coming days. Passengers with upcoming ANA reservations on domestic routes should monitor their flight status closely and consider contacting the airline proactively to confirm their travel plans. The incident also underscores the interconnected nature of global aviation, where technical issues identified by aircraft manufacturers can rapidly impact operations worldwide. As airlines work to resolve the software problems, affected passengers should retain documentation of their disrupted travel for potential compensation claims under applicable consumer protection regulations.