DUBAI– One of the two flag carriers of the UAE, Emirates (EK), is adjusting its flight operations to London Gatwick (LGW) beginning January 2026. The Airline will be transitioning from an all-Airbus A380 schedule to a mixed fleet that includes the Boeing 777-300ER on one of its three daily services.
The change marks the first time in years that not all Emirates flights on the Dubai–Gatwick route will be operated by the A380. Two daily services will continue with the superjumbo, while the third will switch to the Boeing 777.
Gatwick: A Longtime A380 Receiver
Gatwick has long been one of Emirates’ key UK gateways and one of the few airports outside Heathrow to see multiple daily A380 operations.
For years, all three of the airline’s daily services on the Dubai–Gatwick route were operated exclusively by the double-deck A380, Simple Flying flagged.
The airline’s Airbus A380 offers passengers Emirates’ flagship onboard experience. Spacious cabins, onboard lounges for premium travelers, and shower spas in first class.
Emirates first introduced the A380 on the Dubai–Gatwick route in March 2014, making it a key part of the airline’s UK strategy. Over the years, demand on this route grew strong enough to support three daily A380 flights, which is a rare distinction for a non-hub European airport.
Even after this latest adjustment from January 2026, Gatwick will remain one of the few airports worldwide to see two daily A380 flights, highlighting the route’s continued strength. Emirates operates multiple daily A380s on routes to Paris, New York JFK, Sydney, and Bangkok, among others.
Changes in the Schedule
From January 2026, Emirates will operate only two daily A380 flights on the route. The remaining one daily flight will be flown by the Boeing 777, another long-haul variant of the Emirates fleet.
The 777s also offer lie-flat business class seats and Emirates’ signature ICE entertainment system. However, they lack features exclusive to the A380, such as the upper deck lounge or first-class showers.
The change may be happening due to varying load factors on the route seasonally. The airline looking for broader fleet management could be another reason. This, particularly as the airline balances A380 deployment across several high-demand markets. The Boeing 777’s lower seat count provides flexibility during off-peak periods or on routes with more moderate traffic.
Emirates’ A380 Presence Remains Strong
Despite the upcoming reduction at Gatwick, Emirates continues to operate the A380 prominently in its global network. The A380 will continue to operate in full swing at London Heathrow, where multiple daily A380 flights will continue.
Gatwick’s shift does reflect a tactical adjustment. However, the airport remains a cornerstone of Emirates’ UK operations. Gatwick is best suited for serving leisure and regional travel markets. The core business traffic prefers flying to Heathrow over other secondary airports.
This is not a big reduction in service or connectivity. Emirates will maintain three daily flights at Gatwick. What’s changing is the aircraft configuration on one of those services.
While some passengers may miss the A380 on every departure, the 777 continues to offer Emirates’ hallmark product, especially in economy and business class.
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Feature Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
