A longtime favorite among travel enthusiasts, the Airbus A380 is the world’s largest passenger commercial airplane. First launched in 2005, the French-built aircraft replaced the Boeing 747 as the world’s largest passenger airliner, and quickly became a favorite among aircraft watchers and hobbyists. The aircraft is loved for its extra legroom, double-decker cabin, large size and safety record. Although production is slated to cease in 2022, the A380 is still one of the most photographed aircraft in the world. Currently, airlines including Emirates Airline, Singapore International Airline, Qantas and a few others operate the Airbus A380 on international routes.
Sadly, there is no Indian airline operating the Airbus A380. While there were rumors of Air India acquiring the Airbus A380, it operates the Boeing 777 as its largest aircraft for international flight operations. Indeed, Air India operated the Boeing 747 as the only double-decker aircraft in India for a long time. But that doesn’t mean you can’t board an Airbus A380 from India. Here’s a list of the airlines operating the world’s largest aircraft and how you can get aboard them:
Emirates Airline: Bangalore – Dubai – Bangalore Flight
Emirates, the Dubai-based air carrier, has the largest fleet of Airbus A380s globally. While they started flights to Delhi airport in early 2014, empty seats forced them to shut down operations in India. Emirates has resumed Airbus A380 flights in India between Dubai and Bengaluru from October 30, 2022. Emirates will operate EK568 and EK569 daily as the flight departs the airline’s hub at 21:25, and arrives in Bengaluru at 02:30 local time the next day. The return flight departs Kempegowda International Airport at 04:30, arriving in Dubai at 07:10 (local time).
The premium cabins on Emirates aircraft will feature champagne-coloured seats, direct aisle access for every passenger, recline to a fully flat position, and offer individual minibars, ample personal storage and a high level of privacy.
Singapore Airlines: Mumbai – Singapore – Mumbai flight
International carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) is a partner with Vistara airline in India. However, despite their partnership, they never piloted an Airbus A380. In 2022, the Airbus 380 superjumbo aircraft resumed its services from Mumbai International Airport after a break of two years with Singapore International Airlines operating daily flights to Singapore. SIA said the A380 replaced the Airbus A350-900 on SQ 424/423 Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) services between Mumbai and Singapore.
Singapore International Airline’s A380 has 471 seats in four classes: six suites and 78 business class seats on the upper deck, as well as 44 premium economy class and 343 economy class seats on the main deck.