Qatar Airways Scales Back Aussie A380 Flights, Ends Perth Superjumbo Service
June 2025 – In a notable shift in its long-haul operations, Qatar Airways has announced that it will end its Airbus A380 service to Perth, Australia, beginning June 24, 2025. The airline will now operate its Doha-Perth route with a Boeing 777, marking a significant change in fleet strategy and further reducing the airline’s already minimal use of the A380 “superjumbo” aircraft.
The airline’s A380 presence in Australia will now be limited to just three cities, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, along with a long-haul route to London via Manchester. This decision, though disappointing for many aviation enthusiasts and premium travelers, reflects Qatar Airways’ evolving post-pandemic priorities and the wider trend across global aviation to retire less fuel-efficient aircraft.
Why Qatar Airways Is Pulling the A380 from Perth
Qatar Airways currently operates a limited fleet of just eight Airbus A380s, which it brought back into service following the easing of pandemic-era travel restrictions. However, operating these massive aircraft is no longer cost-effective on all routes.
Key reasons for ending the A380 service to Perth include:
- High operational costs: The A380 requires more fuel, crew, and runway infrastructure, making it expensive to operate, especially on routes with less consistent demand.
- Lower seat load factors: The Perth route has not consistently achieved high enough passenger volumes to justify the superjumbo’s deployment.
- Fleet optimization strategy: Qatar is shifting its focus toward more efficient aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350, which offer lower costs per seat and reduced emissions.
According to reporting by Simple Flying, Qatar is prioritizing routes with higher profitability and load demand when assigning the A380, and Perth no longer meets that threshold.
Passenger Experience: What’s Changing?
The decision to pull the A380 from Perth marks a downgrade in terms of onboard experience for passengers. The A380 is widely loved for its:
- Spacious double-decker layout
- Signature onboard bar and lounge in premium cabins
- Enhanced noise insulation and smoother ride
- Inclusion of Qatar Airways’ First Class and the famous Qsuite business product
Replacing it with a Boeing 777-300ER (without Qsuite on this specific route) will result in:
- Fewer overall seats are available on each flight
- No First Class service
- Potentially a narrower cabin and lower comfort in economy
- A different business class product, which may not match the Qsuite’s privacy and layout
While Qatar Airways has promised that its high standards for service and hospitality will remain unchanged, many frequent flyers will miss the A380’s premium offerings on the Perth route.
How It Affects the Australian Market
Australia has long been a key long-haul market for Qatar Airways. During the pandemic, it was one of the few carriers still offering consistent connectivity to and from Australia. However, the airline has gradually adjusted its fleet based on changing market dynamics.
Now, Qatar’s A380 Service in Australia is reduced to:
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
The Doha–London route (via Manchester) also continues to use the A380. These cities have demonstrated stronger long-term demand, justifying continued use of the double-decker jet. Perth, though important, hasn’t shown the same post-COVID recovery in high-yield traffic.
According to Executive Traveller, industry experts believe this move is aligned with how most full-service carriers are managing post-pandemic profitability.
The Future of Qatar Airways’ A380 Fleet
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker has been openly critical of the A380 in the past, calling it “the biggest mistake” in Fleet planning. He has suggested that the aircraft will be retired entirely once newer, more efficient options are available in adequate numbers.
The airline’s long-term vision includes:
Expanded use of the Airbus A350-1000, especially on premium-heavy routes
- Greater deployment of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for long-range, lower-demand destinations
- Enhanced focus on fleet sustainability and emissions reduction
As other global airlines like Air France, Thai Airways, and Lufthansa continue to retire or limit A380 operations, Qatar Airways is likely to follow suit in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
The decision by Qatar Airways to end A380 service to Perth marks a clear shift in the airline’s post-pandemic operating strategy. While it may disappoint some travellers who enjoyed the spaciousness and luxury of the superjumbo, it reflects a larger trend toward efficiency, route optimisation, and fleet renewal.
FAQs
The airline cited high operating costs, lower passenger demand, and a shift toward more efficient aircraft like the Boeing 777. The A380 is no longer sustainable on routes with lower traffic.
Yes. The Perth–Doha route will now be operated by a Boeing 777, though it will not offer First Class or the Qsuite. Economy and standard business class service will continue.
Not immediately, but the airline has made it clear that the A380’s days are numbered. It currently operates only eight A380s, and most are expected to be phased out in the next few years in favor of newer, fuel-efficient models like the A350 and B787.
Disclaimer:
This content is made for learning only. It is not meant to give financial advice. Always check the facts yourself. Financial decisions need detailed research.