Commercial Aviation
Etihad Airways Launches A380 Service to Bangkok in October 2026
Etihad Airways will deploy its Airbus A380 on the Abu Dhabi-Bangkok route starting October 2026, featuring premium cabins including The Residence.
This article is based on an official press release from Etihad Airways.
Etihad Airways has announced that its Airbus A380 will make its debut on the Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Bangkok (BKK) route later this year. Beginning October 25, 2026, the Airlines will upgrade one of its daily services to the double-decker aircraft, significantly increasing capacity on one of its most popular leisure routes ahead of the winter travel season.
The delivery marks the first time Etihad has operated the A380 to Thailand. The aircraft will replace the current equipment on the evening departure from Abu Dhabi, bringing the carrier’s most exclusive cabin products,including The Residence and First Apartments,to the Southeast Asian market.
According to the airline’s schedule, the A380 will operate the daily EY402 and EY403 rotation. The move is designed to support high demand for travel between Thailand, the Middle East, and Europe.
Flight Schedule (Effective October 25, 2026):
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, highlighted the strategic importance of the route in the company’s announcement.
“We’ve seen huge excitement around where our next A380 would fly – and Bangkok has been one of the most requested destinations. It’s a city that blends energy, culture and world-class hospitality, making it the perfect match for our flagship aircraft.”
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways
The return of the A380 introduces Etihad’s halo products to the Bangkok route. The aircraft features The Residence, a three-room private suite located on the upper deck. Accommodating up to two guests, it includes a living room, a separate bedroom, and an ensuite bathroom with a shower.
Additionally, the first-class cabin offers nine First Apartments. These private suites feature a leather lounge chair and a separate ottoman that converts into an 80-inch lie-flat bed. First Class guests also have access to the exclusive First shower room. The upper deck also houses 70 Business Studios, providing direct aisle access and fully lie-flat beds for every passenger. Between the First and Business cabins, passengers can access “The Lobby,” a serviced lounge and bar area designed for socializing during the flight.
On the main deck, the Economy cabin is configured with 68 Economy Space seats, which offer an additional four inches of legroom, and 337 standard Economy seats featuring fixed-wing headrests. In total, the aircraft accommodates nearly 500 passengers, offering a substantial capacity boost over the smaller widebodies typically used on this sector.
The decision to deploy the A380 to Bangkok underscores the route’s status as a heavy-volume leisure corridor. While many airlines have retired their superjumbos, Etihad has strategically reactivated its fleet to serve high-density markets like London, New York, and now Bangkok. The timing aligns with the peak winter holiday season, allowing Etihad to capture premium leisure traffic competing with regional rivals like Emirates, which also operates A380s into Bangkok.
When does the Etihad A380 start flying to Bangkok? Which flights will be operated by the A380? Is The Residence available on this route?
Etihad Airways to Deploy Flagship A380 to Bangkok Starting October 2026
A380 Schedule and Capacity Upgrade
Premium Cabins: The Residence and First Apartments
Business and Economy Configurations
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The A380 service begins on October 25, 2026.
The A380 will operate flight EY402 from Abu Dhabi and the return flight EY403 from Bangkok.
Yes, The Residence is available for booking on the A380 service to Bangkok.
Sources
Photo Credit: Etihad