How many A380 are still in use?

A total of 251 Airbus A380s were built and delivered for civil aviation. How many A380s are still flying? As of May 2023, about 130 A380s are in service - but several airlines plan to reactivate more aircraft during the year.



As of early 2026, the Airbus A380 has experienced a remarkable second act, with approximately 140 to 150 aircraft back in active commercial service. While several airlines retired their fleets during the early 2020s, a massive surge in international travel demand has forced carriers like Emirates, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, and Qatar Airways to keep the "Superjumbo" flying. Emirates remains the dominant operator, maintaining a fleet of nearly 90 active A380s. Lufthansa and Etihad, which had previously grounded their fleets, have successfully returned multiple units to the sky to manage slot constraints at major hubs. However, the total number is down from the peak of 251 ever produced, as many older frames have been sent to "boneyards" for part reclamation. For passengers, the A380 remains a favorite due to its quiet cabin and spaciousness, but its high operating costs mean that no new models are being built, making the current active fleet a finite and precious resource in global aviation.

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The bottom line. Overall, the A380 seems to come out far ahead in first class as there may also be wider availability of tickets. It also comes ahead in business class unless passengers are traveling in pairs and do not need access to the bar.

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The Pilots For those looking after the safety of everyone on board, the A380 is generally well-loved. “The A380 is a pleasure to operate,” said Nigel, a captain for a European airline. “Handling is similar to the A320, with the 380 being a little more sensitive in pitch.

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The arrival of the A380 in 2007 was poorly timed. The price of jet fuel had begun to creep up, and by 2007 was floating at around $4 a gallon. This made airlines shy away from the expensive to operate four engine jets of the 80s and 90s, and to look instead to fuel efficiency as a major deciding factor.

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Currently, the world's biggest international airline has on order 50 A350-900s, 30 787-9s and 115 Boeing 777Xs. The airline operates 119 A380s, 123 Boeing 777-300ERs and 10 Boeing 777-200LRs. The 777X aircraft will replace the A380s, while the A350s and 787s will eventually replace the 777s.

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Air traffic capacity. The A380 – which typically seats more than 500 travellers – provides immediate congestion relief for some of the world's busiest airports by offering greater passenger capacity. The A380 is reputed for low noise emissions.

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Now that the pandemic seems under control, the great queens of the sky are making a comeback. Etihad, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qantas, British Airways and other airlines, including new start-up Global, are putting the A380 back to work.

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The future Despite great odds, the A380 is back in operation with many airlines that had previously written off the type from their fleet. This includes Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and most recently, the Etihad A380 returned to service.

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For some airlines, the A380 offered too much capacity, while for Emirates, the airline can't get enough of the plane. Unfortunately for Emirates (and us passengers), the days of the Airbus A380 are numbered. Airbus stopped A380 production in 2021, as there weren't sufficient orders to keep production going.

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Any plane can experience turbulence, but larger planes weigh more and don't feel the impact of wind changes as much as a smaller plane. Specifically, the Airbus A380 handles turbulence very well! The A380 is a large plane mainly used for international flights.

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According to Sir Tim Clark, the A380 allows Emirates to get ahead of congestion issues at major airport around the world. With infrastructure struggling to keep up with demand for landing slots and airport gates, the superjumbo allows the airline to increase passenger volume with fewer aircraft and fewer flights.

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While the 777X offers unrivalled dimensions, advanced materials, and cutting-edge engine technology, the A350 shines with its lightweight composite airframe, advanced aerodynamics, and superior fuel efficiency.

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Range and flexibility. Surprisingly, for all its size, the A380 can't go as far as the A350. The A350-1000 can travel more than 1,000 km (540 NM) further than the A380. Singapore Airlines has a special 'ultra-long-range' (ULR) A350-900, which operates on the longest route in the world, from Singapore to New York JFK.

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Another weakness of the Airbus A380 is its own big wingspan ? of 79.8 metres (262 feet) ? which excludes 70% of the World's major airports which only are able to allow airplanes with wingspans of 65 metres (213 feet) or less.

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This is due to the aircraft's large size and the amount of fuel it requires to make a single flight. On average, it costs around $20,000 to fill up an A380.

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On board shower: The huge airliner is known for its luxury amenities with some airlines, like Emirates, including passenger showers for first class fliers. Quiet and comfort: A380 fans love the quiet experience of flying on board, and the level of comfort offered.

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