The Airbus A380 is frequently used on long-haul, high-capacity routes to some of the world's busiest airports. However, there are exceptions with the A380 operating on short-haul routes of fewer than 1,000 miles. For instance, it even flies to New Zealand's Christchurch Airport—a modestly sized airport welcoming fewer than six million passengers annually.
London Heathrow is the world's most connected airport, boasting a network of flights worldwide. Not only is Heathrow the main operating base for British Airways' fleet of A380s, but it also attracts multiple other airlines operating this 'superjumbo.' Heathrow's slots are highly coveted, making it sensible to deploy high-capacity aircraft on routes to this airport. The airport plans to add a third runway in coming years.
Heathrow has been operating at maximum capacity for around a decade, indicating that it cannot accommodate more aircraft. To fly more passengers into Heathrow, airlines often resort to using higher-capacity airplanes like the A380—the world's highest-capacity aircraft. According to Heathrow's website, it currently operates at 98% capacity.
OAG lists Heathrow as the world's most connected airport with 61,356 connections and 227 destinations. British Airways dominates with claims over 50% of the airport's capacity.
"London Heathrow Airport (LHR) remains the most internationally connected airport in the world this year and retains first place. LHR is the fourth- biggest airport globally in terms of scheduled one-way capacity in the year up to August 2024. British Airways remains dominant at London Heathrow operating 50% of all flights." - OAG
In 2024, London Heathrow was ranked as the fourth-busiest airport globally by seat number. Meanwhile, Dubai International Airport ranked second-busiest with 60.2 million seats available annually.
"DXB’s airline capacity grew significantly since 2023 with seats increasing by seven percent year-on-year," said OAG about Dubai International Airport. "Capacity was up twelve percent compared to pre-pandemic levels seen in2019."
Singapore's Changi Airport ranks among busy airports but doesn't make it into top ten lists by seat capacity globally; Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson holds that title handling approximately62 .7 million seats yearly post-pandemic recovery, maintaining its consistent lead despite being briefly overtaken during COVID-19 disruptions backin2020by Guangzhou Baiyun InternationalAirport (CAN).
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