Etihad Reactivates Its A380 Superjumbo After 5 Years in Storage

The sky is once again calling for the superjumbo. Etihad Airways is reviving the legends of the skies—the iconic Airbus A380s—bringing them back from a long slumber.

After five years in deep storage triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the final two giants are being readied for service, signaling a renewed era of ultra-luxury and high-capacity air travel.

Etihad Airways is set to reintroduce two more Airbus A380-800 aircraft into its fleet. The move was initially reported by aviation journalist Andreas Spaeth, who identified aircraft A6–APC and A6-APB as the next in line to return to active duty.

Confirmation followed during an Etihad open day held for Wizz Air Abu Dhabi staff in late July 2025. At the event, Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, shared the carrier’s strategy for expanding its A380 operations.

According to the timeline:

• A6-APC is scheduled to rejoin the fleet by June 2026
• A6-APB will return by January 2027

These two will complement the seven A380s already flying for Etihad, bringing the total to nine by early 2027. One A380, A6-APA, remains in storage but is being parted out and will not return to service.

Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, has expressed a clear long-term vision to keep the A380 flying until at least 2032, bucking the trend of other airlines retiring the type in favor of smaller, more fuel-efficient aircraft. This decision comes as the airline experiences strong demand recovery and expands its global reach.

Currently, Etihad’s A380s serve major international routes from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to destinations including: London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Singapore (SIN), Toronto (YYZ)
A380 service to New York (JFK) was recently dropped due to underperformance, though new long-haul destinations are under review.

Etihad is in full expansion mode. In July 2025 alone, the airline accepted delivery of:

• Its first Airbus A321LR (set for commercial service to Phuket starting August 1)
• Two Boeing 787 Dreamliners
• One Airbus A350-1000
• One Airbus A320

As part of its 2025 growth roadmap, Etihad aims to carry 21.5 million passengers, more than double its 2022 numbers. To support this surge, the airline expects to receive 18 new aircraft by year-end.

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