Lufthansa's Airbus A380 returns to San Francisco after five-year hiatus

Lufthansa's Airbus A380 aircraft are set to return to San Francisco for the first time since March 2020. According to sources including Ishrion Aviation and Aeroroutes, the German airline plans to reintroduce its superjumbo jets to Northern California during the upcoming winter season. However, this change has not yet appeared in Lufthansa's booking system.

Previously, Lufthansa operated its A380s from Frankfurt to San Francisco starting in May 2011, making it the first regular user of the type at the airport. However, due in part to disagreements with Frankfurt's airport operator over fees and charges, these operations were shifted to Munich.

Currently, Lufthansa serves the Munich-San Francisco route daily using a 267-seat A350-900 aircraft equipped with three classes including first class. Starting October 26, as per IATA slot seasons marking day one of northern aviation winter, this will be replaced by a larger 509-seat A380. This service will run daily except between January 19 and March 1.