Technically, a single pilot can fly and land a modern aircraft like the Airbus A380 once it is in the air, but legally and for safety reasons, it is strictly prohibited. International aviation regulations require a minimum of two pilots (a Pilot Flying and a Pilot Monitoring) in the cockpit at all times to ensure redundancy and manage the high workload of such a complex machine. For the ultra-long-haul flights that the A380 is famous for, airlines actually carry three or four pilots (two full crews) so they can rotate and remain rested throughout the journey. In 2026, while there is ongoing research into "Single Pilot Operations" for cargo planes to address the global pilot shortage, passenger flights remain firmly committed to the two-pilot standard. This ensures that if one pilot becomes incapacitated—due to a medical emergency or other issue—the remaining pilot can safely operate the systems and perform a landing at the nearest suitable airport.