British Airways is one of ten airlines with scheduled flights on the Airbus A380. Ch-aviation indicates that the oneworld member has 12 frames, the first of which (G-XLEA) was delivered nearly 13 years ago, in July 2013. Two aircraft are currently in Manila, undergoing heavy maintenance, reconfiguration, or both.

All of BA’s superjumbos have 469 seats, but that’ll change by the end of 2027. All 12 aircraft will have much-needed new cabins, and capacity will fall to just 421 seats. 88 economy seats will be removed, enabling 13 more business suites and 29 more premium economy seats. It’ll become more premium-driven equipment.

BA’s Changing A380 Activity

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According to BA’s schedule submission to Cirium Diio, the carrier plans 1,392 double-decker departures from its London Heathrow Airport (LHR) between June and December 2026 (double for both ways). That is down from 1,505 outbound services in the same period in 2025, which is a drop of 8%. On a daily basis, the reduction is barely noticeable: from an average of seven daily departures to around 6.5.

This reduction partly reflects 17% of its A380s temporarily removed from service, with more soon. Despite this, BA’s double-decker quadjet network has increased year-over-year, from seven routes to eight. While Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) no longer sees the type, it has returned to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and will be deployed to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) again.

While overall superjumbo services have fallen by 8%, a very different picture emerges if the median number of superjumbo flights per route is examined. Compared to June to December last year, departures per airport pair have fallen by 31%.

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They’re shown in the following table and on the interactive map. This map also highlights all the aircraft BA will operate on each route between June and December, even if the operating period for the superjumbo is shorter. BA uses the type in very high-volume premium markets.

Compared to winter 2025/2026, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will not see the type, which contributes to that market’s superjumbo services falling by 27% between June and the end of the year. It’ll be deployed half as often to Johannesburg Airport (JNB) in the winter than a year ago, for an overall drop of 31%.

After a year-and-a-half absence, the type will return to SIN. This is perhaps influenced by the ongoing war in the Middle East and the higher demand from passengers keen to avoid flying via Gulf hubs. However, Qatar Airways will resume A380 flights to SIN in September, followed by Etihad Airways in October.

BA Has Fallen To The 3rd Spot

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Let’s continue to focus on June to December 2026. In this period, all scheduled A380 operators plan a total of 26,358 departures from their respective hubs. That’s equivalent to 123 daily outbound services.

Their combined activity has fallen by 1% year-over-year, which is not much. That’s partly because months towards the end of the year have not been played with much yet. More changes are likely. In contrast, 18% fewer A380 flights are available in June, which is driven by the Gulf carriers.

A year ago, BA was the second-largest A380 user in terms of services. But because of its 8% drop in activity, it is now third. Singapore Airlines, which was the launch customer of the type, has superseded it. Singapore Airlines plans 22% (!) more superjumbo flights year-over-year.