Statement on FAA Directive for MD-10 Aircraft

Update: 16 January 2026

Since flight restrictions affecting all MD-10 aircraft, including the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, went into effect in November, our aircraft has remained in full compliance with all regulatory requirements.

We have been closely monitoring the situation and anticipated that the steps needed for affected aircraft to return to service would be completed before our 2026 activities began. We have received new information that the restrictions will continue beyond our initial expectations. We are actively working with our partners to adjust affected programming and continue delivering on our mission.  

Through our country programs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, our global online training platform, Cybersight, and our collaboration with local hospitals around the world, we continue providing sight-saving care and training where they are needed most.  

Statement 15 November 2025 

On November 14, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the US civil aviation authority, issued a new emergency airworthiness directive expanding flight restrictions for MD-11 aircraft to include MD-10s and DC-10s. The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, an MD-10, falls within this directive. The original directive applying only to MD-11s was issued on November 8. 

The directives follow the November 4 accident involving a UPS MD-11 aircraft. The FAA continues to investigate and has cited structural similarities among these aircraft types as the basis for its latest action. We extend our deepest condolences to those affected by the recent accident.  

Orbis has been monitoring the situation closely and is in full compliance with the FAA directive. Our Flying Eye Hospital completed its final 2025 project in late October and is currently in Tulsa, Oklahoma, undergoing routine maintenance. No training or patient care activities are impacted at this time.

We will continue to follow all FAA guidance as the investigation progresses and will respond promptly to any additional requirements. Safety remains at the heart of everything we do. 

Photo: Flying Eye Hospital in Vietnam in 2019