re: Virgin Atlantic flight bound for NYC cancelled when passenger spots missing bolts on wing

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Aerodynamic sealant is always cracked, but I can understand what you’re getting at.

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The movement is probably not even noticeable to the human eye while it is taking place. From those pictures it difficult to tell if the location of wing with the missing screws are in the laminar or turbulent part of the wing. If it's in the laminar portion the risk of material failure is lower than the turbulent region. During laminar flow the air is simply flowing into and out of the seams without the screws. The laminar air entering this area will immediately become turbulent on exit. If it's in the turbulent area the potential for more fatigue is greater because the vortex shedding will lift and lower the section at a very high frequency and with enough cycles more damage will ensue.