UAE-based Etihad Airways has implemented a temporary adjustment to its Airbus A380 operations on the Abu Dhabi–London Heathrow route as part of the 2026 summer season. Between 15 May and 30 June 2026, the number of A380 flights on this route will be limited to 12 services per week.
Etihad Airways has made an operational planning change regarding flights operated with Airbus A380 aircraft on the Abu Dhabi–London Heathrow route. The airline announced that between 15 May 2026 and 30 June 2026, the number of A380 flights on this route will be capped at 12 services per week.
While this adjustment is being implemented as part of Etihad’s aircraft planning for the 2026 summer season, changes have also been made to the wide-body aircraft types used on certain services.
2026 Summer Season Aircraft Type Planning Finalised
As of 11 December 2025, Etihad Airways’ aircraft type allocation for the Abu Dhabi–London Heathrow route for the 2026 summer season has been determined as follows:
EY061/062:
- 1 daily flight – Airbus A380 (no change)
EY063/064:
- 29 March 2026 – 30 June 2026:
- Daily Boeing 787-10
- (except 15–17 June 2026, when operations will be conducted with the A380)
01 July 2026 – 24 October 2026:
- Daily Boeing 787-9 (x23)
- Daily Boeing 787-10 (x23)
EY065/066:
- 30 March 2026 – 30 June 2026:
- Daily Boeing 787-10
- (in place of the Boeing 787-9)
EY067/068:
- 30 March 2026 – 30 June 2026:
- Daily Boeing 787-9
- (in place of the Airbus A380)
Demand and Operational Planning Were Decisive
Although no official reason has been shared by Etihad officials, it is stated that the changes were planned within the scope of summer season demand balance, fleet optimisation and operational efficiency. The temporary reduction in A380 capacity, alongside increased use of the Boeing 787 family, has drawn attention.
