Qatar Airways has announced changes to its Airbus A380 network, reducing the number of routes from Doha to four. The airline currently operates the A380 on routes to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, London Heathrow, Paris CDG, Perth, and Sydney. However, it will cease flights to Perth from June 24 to October 26 due to Virgin Australia starting Perth-Doha flights using Boeing 777-300ERs.
The latest schedule update indicates that the A380 will not return to Perth after this period. “Of course, this may change again,” Qatar Airways stated, “but that is the current situation.” The decision follows a temporary suspension of double-decker services announced in December 2024.
Qatar Airways first introduced flights to Perth in 2012 with Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. The A380 was deployed in May 2018 but was replaced by other aircraft during the pandemic before returning in December 2022. From June 25, flights will switch to the non-first-class Boeing 777-300ER.
In November, when the A380 was expected to return, Qatar Airways and Virgin plan a combined capacity of 1,386 daily roundtrip seats on the route. This represents a reduction of nearly one-fifth compared to previous levels but offers two daily services instead of one.
Despite removing Perth from its A380 network, Qatar Airways plans an increase in overall operations. In November, it aims for 35 weekly A380 take-offs from Doha due to increased frequency on routes like Paris CDG and London Heathrow.
Emirates will continue operating its own superjumbo service between Dubai and Perth as part of its daily schedule.
