Emirates’ A380 returns to Brisbane Airport after three year gap

Brisbane Airport (BNE) has welcomed Emirates’ A380 back to Queensland’s skies for the first time in nearly three years, with the iconic superjumbo returning to the gateway last night.

Emirates’ A380 will resume daily services between BNE and Dubai (DXB), replacing the airline’s other wide-body aircraft that serviced the route throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the B777.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, CEO of Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC), believes that the return of Emirates’ flagship aircraft is a strong indication of recovering consumer confidence and the strength of Brisbane as a destination in itself, and a gateway to Australia.

“Emirates and BAC have a proud and storied history spanning nearly two decades, and we are incredibly thankful for Emirates’ commitment and confidence to continue doing business in Queensland,” he said.

“The return of the A380 to BNE means more seats and opportunities for inbound and outbound leisure travel, visiting family and relatives, corporate travel, and carriage of vital cargo.

“BAC and its partners, including the Queensland Government, Tourism and Events Queensland, Destination Gold Coast and BEDA, look forward to working with Emirates to grow passenger numbers, rebuild the service, and partner on growth opportunities in the years ahead as international travel continues to recover.”

Emirates’ divisional vice president for Australasia, Barry Brown, said the re-opening of borders and the increasing demand for overseas travel has allowed Emirates to bring back the iconic A380 and increase services to Brisbane.

He enthused: “Bringing back daily A380 operations to Queensland has been one of many positive signs of a gradual return to normalcy, with more seats now available to passengers who wish to travel to and from Brisbane for leisure and business travel.

“It is indeed a proud moment to resume our flagship A380 service to Brisbane and to provide Queenslanders with greater flexibility and choice when making their travel plans.”

While Queensland’s tourism minister, Stirling Hinchliffe, said landing Emirates’ A380 in Brisbane was an important sign of recovery.

“More seats and connectivity means more visitors to Queensland’s world-class destinations,” commented Hinchliffe.

“We know aviation is critical for Queensland’s tourism operators and exporters. To have a global airline flying the world’s largest aircraft back to Queensland is a huge vote of confidence in our State’s economic and tourism recovery.”