As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East began to ease earlier this year, Qatar Airways is looking to the future to rebuild its long-haul international network in its key hub. 
Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH). Among the major operational impacts: Iran Crisis 2026 For the Qatari flag carrier, it was a temporary grounding of its Airbus A380 aircraft.
But now the A380 is being held back on certain routes, even as airlines can begin rebuilding their long-haul networks. Perhaps most notably, Qatar Airways’ double-decker wide-body quadjet will no longer operate from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) in New South Wales, Australia. I last flew there in March and was due to return in September, but now I won’t be doing that anymore.
end of an era
Qatar Airways flew the A380 81 times to Sydney in early 2026, operating the type daily on the route, according to schedule data provided by aviation analytics firm Cirium. March 22nd. Following the disruption caused by the aforementioned war, the A380 was originally scheduled to resume service to Sydney. September 16th However, it is currently scheduled to be replaced by the Boeing 777-300ER.
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Not only is this a significant reduction in overall capacity, it also means an overall reduction in Qatar Airways’ first class service on this route, as the 354-seat 777s that replace the A380 do not have such seats. The cuts show that airlines are still anticipating some reluctance among travelers returning home, even though the Middle East faces less geopolitical uncertainty than before. But last week he also said:
“Qatar Airways continues to deliver on its commitment to network restoration and is steadily expanding its coverage to over 160 gateways for the ease and convenience of international travellers.”
3 A380 destinations in Australia over the past few years
generally, 
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport It was one of three destinations in Australia where Qatar Airways has operated the Airbus A380 over the years. The facility was Australia’s first and most popular destination, having been in service since 2016. From then until 2026, there were 2,685 round trip flights from Doha to Sydney, with daily services for most of the year. 2021 was the only year without flights due to the pandemic.
Melbourne Airport (MEL) in Victoria was the next destination in Australia to be added by Qatar Airways to its Airbus A380 roster. Superjumbo service on this route from Doha began in 2017, with 185 flights operating that year. The route then operated daily in 2018 and 2019, but with the onset of the global health crisis, it only operated 89 times in 2020. Qatar Airways’ A380 has not returned since.
This resulted in a total of 1,004 Qatar Airways Airbus A380 departures from Doha Airport in Melbourne. Meanwhile, Western Australia’s Perth Airport (PER) recorded 1,543 circulations between 2018 and 2025. Again, 2021 was the only year without flights, with post-pandemic services peaking at daily frequency in 2023 and 2024. Qatar Airways now operates A350s and 777s to Perth and Melbourne.
Only nine airlines operate the Airbus A380 with a first class cabin. Ticket prices are as follows:
From Emirates showers to Singapore Sky Suites, here are the best Airbus A380 first class cabins and flight costs for 2026.
Who flies the A380 to Sydney now?
Despite Qatar Airways’ superjumbo withdrawal, Sydney Airport is still seeing more than its fair share of Airbus A380 flights. In total, this double-decker quadjet serves a total of six destinations from Sydney and is operated by three airlines. One of the most interesting routes is the one operated by Emirates Airlines from Dubai (DXB) to Sydney. The route runs twice a day and makes a loop to Christchurch (CHC).
Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines’ super jumbo buses travel to and from Sydney. 
Star Alliance It operates twice daily from your main hub, Changi Airport (SIN). Elsewhere, Australian national airlines and oneWorld founding member Qantas flies to four destinations from Sydney using the A380. In order of frequency, it is Singapore (37 flights in June), Dallas/Fort Worth (30 flights), Los Angeles (29 flights), and Johannesburg (17 flights).
