BADUNG, DEWATA.NEWS – Emirates has announced significant adjustments to its 2026 flight schedules, including the withdrawal of its Airbus A380 superjumbo aircraft from several high-capacity routes as part of a broader operational strategy shift.
The move reflects the airline’s reassessment of the 615-seat A380 configuration, one of the largest commercial aircraft layouts in the world, which includes 58 business class seats and 557 economy seats.
The aircraft has traditionally been deployed on high-volume routes with relatively lower premium demand, but Emirates now considers the configuration less suitable during periods of fluctuating passenger demand.
One of the routes most affected is Dubai–Denpasar (Bali). Emirates had previously planned to resume A380 services to Bali starting February 25, 2026, but this decision is now under review. Social media reports indicate that the last A380 flight to Bali operated on January 16, 2026, after which the airline replaced the aircraft with a Boeing 777.
Ngurah Rai International Airport confirmed the aircraft change. “At present, Emirates has replaced the Airbus A380 with a Boeing 777 on the Dubai–Denpasar route,” said Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi, Head of Communication and Legal Division at Ngurah Rai Airport, on Monday (26/1/2026).
Emirates’ A380 withdrawals or adjustments also affect several other international routes. Services to Copenhagen will end on May 31, 2026, while Jeddah’s A380 operations concluded on February 6, 2026, before resuming with a smaller 489-seat configuration in October.
Kuala Lumpur will see the 615-seat A380 withdrawn at the end of February, with limited additional flights in April, followed by a smaller-capacity A380. Munich and Taipei will also transition to lower-capacity A380 variants later in 2026.
In Bali, the aircraft change prompted speculation that airport facilities were no longer capable of handling the A380. Airport authorities rejected this claim, stating that infrastructure at Ngurah Rai remains fully compliant for superjumbo operations.
“Airport facilities remain optimal and meet all requirements to serve the Airbus A380,” Gede Eka Sandi said, adding that the decision is entirely an internal airline policy, potentially influenced by low-season demand.
Despite the adjustments, Emirates confirmed that services on affected routes will continue without disruption. The airline said passengers will still receive comparable comfort levels through Boeing 777 and other updated wide-body aircraft.
For travelers heading to Bali and other impacted destinations, Emirates’ flight network remains operational with regular schedules and its standard onboard service.