Lufthansa launches first regular Airbus A380 service to Denver

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Lufthansa launches first regular Airbus A380 service to Denver

Research

Ellie Nan Storck Managing editor | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Jan 29, 2025

The Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger aircraft, is set to begin regular flights to Denver International Airport (DEN) in just over three months. Lufthansa will operate the A380 daily from its Munich Airport (MUC) hub starting April 30. The aircraft, which can accommodate 509 passengers including eight first-class and 78 business-class seats, will replace the smaller Airbus A350-900 on this route.

Denver becomes Lufthansa's sixth destination for the A380 from Munich following its reintroduction in 2023 after a pandemic-related suspension. Currently, Lufthansa flies the superjumbo to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Washington D.C.'s Dulles International Airport (IAD).

This marks a significant milestone for Denver as it welcomes regular service by the A380. Previously, Denver had only seen an A380 when an Air France flight diverted there in 2018.

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Lufthansa's decision highlights DEN's growth trajectory in recent years. The airport managed 82.4 million passengers in 2024, representing a 19% increase from 2019 figures and ranking it as the third busiest airport in the United States after Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth. Notably, international service has expanded rapidly with seat availability up by 47% last year compared to 2019 according to Cirium's schedule data.

A major factor behind this growth is United Airlines' expansion at DEN, facilitated by a partnership with Lufthansa. United has significantly increased routes and flights through an expansion of concourses at Denver, making it their second-largest hub after Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD).

Lufthansa anticipates that connections beyond Denver via United Airlines will help fill seats on its new superjumbo flights. Cirium schedules indicate at least 30 connecting flights departing within three hours of Lufthansa’s arrival from Munich to destinations such as Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), and Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).

According to Heiko Reitz, chief customer officer of Lufthansa Airlines: "Passengers, airport visitors and crews love the A380, the flying experience and the feeling of space," adding that "the A380 offers more premium seats than any other aircraft."

Travelers arriving on Lufthansa’s A380 will disembark at Concourse A before proceeding via bridge to DEN’s main terminal for customs clearance. Those with lounge access can utilize one of United's new clubs or eventually enjoy a new Polaris Lounge near gate A18 for first and business class travelers.