Quantcast

Qatar Airways limits Airbus A380 deployment to four key high-demand routes this winter

Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Qatar Airways limits Airbus A380 deployment to four key high-demand routes this winter
Policy
Webp qatar
Badr Mohammed Al Meer, CEO | Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways will continue to operate its Airbus A380 fleet on a limited number of high-capacity routes during the upcoming winter season. The airline, which runs a hub-and-spoke system from Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH), uses the double-decker A380s primarily on services where passenger demand is highest and slot constraints are significant.

The Airbus A380, known for its large capacity and range of about 8,000 nautical miles, remains in service with Qatar Airways despite many airlines retiring the type due to operational costs and shifting market demand. Qatar Airways introduced the aircraft in 2014 and eventually operated ten units. These jets have been deployed mainly on routes between Doha and cities such as London Heathrow, Bangkok, Sydney, and Paris.

According to data provided by aviation industry database Cirium to Simple Flying, Qatar Airways will rotate its A380s across these four trunk routes this winter. Approximately 392 flights are scheduled between now and the end of January, providing more than 200,000 seats. About half of these flights connect Doha and Bangkok. London Heathrow accounts for roughly 320 flights, while Paris sees around 200. Sydney remains an important destination due to its long-haul nature and strong demand.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The standard configuration of Qatar Airways' A380 includes eight first class seats, 48 business class seats, and 461 economy seats. The aircraft also features an onboard premium lounge for first and business class passengers.

Despite a reduced frequency to Sydney compared to other destinations, the route contributes significantly to overall available seat miles (ASMs) generated by the airline’s A380 fleet—Bangkok represents about 40% of ASMs, Sydney about 30%, London around 17%, and Paris roughly 10%. This results in an average of over three billion available seat miles this winter season.

Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker has previously described the Airbus A380 as "commercially suboptimal" for most of the carrier's network due to high operating costs compared to newer twin-engine models like the Airbus A350-1000 or Boeing 777. The airline grounded its A380 fleet during the pandemic but reactivated some aircraft when demand rebounded following capacity shortfalls caused by Airbus A350 groundings.

The use of A380s is concentrated on only a few routes because deploying them more widely would strain maintenance resources and crew availability. Additionally, not all airports can accommodate the large aircraft due to infrastructure limitations such as gate size and taxiway requirements.

While there is speculation about whether Qatar Airways might introduce its remaining A380s on new routes in future seasons, current plans suggest that any expansion would depend on exceptional proven demand at additional destinations.

At present, Qatar Airways continues using its flagship widebody jets strategically where they best match market conditions for both passenger volume and revenue potential.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025

The 13th Annual Breast Care International Walk for the Cure took place in Kumasi, Ghana, drawing around 30,000 participants, including survivors, healthcare professionals, students, traditional leaders, and advocates.

Oct 22, 2025

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025