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The mighty Airbus A380 is a marvel of modern aviation. Despite the end of its production and gradual withdrawal from many fleets, this double-decker superjumbo continues to dominate the skies on some of the world’s longest routes. For aviation enthusiasts and long-haul travelers alike, there are still opportunities to experience the A380 on epic intercontinental journeys.
As of summer 2025, these are the six longest A380 routes by great circle distance, connecting continents and clocking in at well over 12 hours of flying time. If you’re a fan of ultra-long-haul flying or want to tick the A380 off your log before it’s too late, these are the flights to watch (or fly).
1 Emirates: Dubai (DXB) – Auckland (AKL)
Flight Number: EK448 / EK449
Distance: 7,668 nautical miles (14,200 km)
Flight Time: ~15h 45m
Frequency: Daily
Still the longest A380 route in the world, Emirates’ service from Dubai to Auckland is an aviation bucket list item. Covering nearly 14,200 km non-stop, this flight departs DXB late at night and arrives in New Zealand two days later due to the dateline. Operated with the latest refreshed A380 interiors, it features First Class private suites, onboard showers, and the iconic bar for premium passengers.
2 Emirates: Dubai (DXB) – Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
Flight Number: EK221 / EK222
Distance: 7,250 nautical miles (13,041 km)
Flight Time: ~15h 30 min
Frequency: Daily
SFO is another transpacific giant on Emirates’ map. Serving Silicon Valley and the broader Bay Area, this A380 flight offers top-tier service on a route that once represented the limits of ultra-long-haul travel. A recent terminal upgrade at SFO means smoother A380 operations and easier connections for travelers.
3 Emirates: Dubai (DXB) – Los Angeles (LAX)
Flight Number: EK215 / EK216
Distance: 7,246 nautical miles (13,420 km)
Flight Time: ~15h 30m
Frequency: Daily
Another monster route from Emirates, DXB–LAX is the longest A380 route to the United States. It features the full three-class layout and offers one of the most luxurious ultra-long-haul experiences available. The LAX A380 gate at the Tom Bradley International Terminal is a regular haunt for spotters.
4 Emirates: Dubai (DXB) – Houston (IAH)
Flight Number: EK211 / EK212
Distance: 7,097 nautical miles (13,144 km)
Flight Time: ~15h
Frequency: Daily
Houston serves as a key destination for business traffic between the US energy sector and the Middle East. The A380 allows Emirates to serve this demand with a high-capacity, comfortable long-haul product. It’s also a less expected but very welcome addition for US-based A380 spotters.
5 Emirates: Dubai (DXB) – San Francisco (SFO)
Flight Number: EK225 / EK226
Distance: 7,041 nautical miles (13,041 km)
Flight Time: ~15h
Frequency: Daily
SFO is another transpacific giant on Emirates’ map. Serving Silicon Valley and the broader Bay Area, this A380 flight offers top-tier service on a route that once represented the limits of ultra-long-haul travel. A recent terminal upgrade at SFO means smoother A380 operations and easier connections for travelers.
Qantas has returned six A380s into service since the Covid pandemic. VH-OQL, seen here, returned to Sydney at the beginning of February 2023 and is expected to begin revenue flights shortly. (Photo: Hpeterswald, distributed under a CC BY-SA 3.0 Licence)
6 Qantas: Melbourne (MEL) – Los Angeles (LAX)
Flight Number: QF93 / QF94
Distance: 6,883 nautical miles (12,748 km)
Flight Time: ~14h 30m
Frequency: Twice weekly (A380 only)
Qantas uses its A380 on this route a few times each week, with Boeing 787s covering other frequencies. The MEL–LAX route gives passengers another opportunity to enjoy the spacious Qantas A380 upper deck and dine under the stars at 38,000 feet. First Class suites and the refreshed onboard lounges add to the appeal for avgeeks.
Why These Flights Matter
Even as the A380 begins to disappear from airline fleets, it continues to prove its worth on high-demand, ultra-long-haul routes. Emirates remains the largest A380 operator by far, while Qantas uses the type to complement its Boeing 787 long-haul strategy. For now, these six routes remain the ultimate showcase of the A380’s endurance and grandeur.
Thinking of logging a flight on the A380? This summer may be one of the last chances to experience the type on such lengthy sectors—so make it count!
