Etihad Airways has recently brought an Airbus A380 back into service after over five years in long-term storage, marking a significant operational revival for the carrier. The aircraft, registered A6-APC, departed Tarbes and re-entered Abu Dhabi on 14 January 2026, operating flight EY9752. Originally delivered in May 2015, the superjumbo aircraft saw limited active service due to the pandemic's impact on global travel demand.
The Airbus A380 was taken out of service on 24 March 2020 amid COVID-19 restrictions, and it was stored in Abu Dhabi before being moved to Tarbes, France. Following years of inactivity, the aircraft is now slated to operate routes including Tokyo Narita from June 2026, expanding its network after earlier plans to retire the fleet altogether.
The Effect of Pandemic on the Fleet
The airline initially considered permanently retiring its A380 fleet, but recovery of demand prompted a strategic rethink. The reactivation supports Etihad’s ambition to boost capacity on key routes, especially to markets like London, Paris, Toronto, and Singapore. This move aligns with the airline's broader recovery efforts and renewed demand for long-haul travel.
The return of the A6-APC exemplifies how some carriers are revisiting previously shelved aircraft types in response to market resurgences. Although the A380's future remains uncertain for many airlines, Etihad’s reactivation highlights a trend toward restoring large-capacity aircraft to meet current needs and future growth prospects.
