Etihad, the Abu Dhabi-based airline, remains one of the few airlines that, to this date, still operate the mighty Airbus A380. The relationship between the A380 and Etihad hasn't always been smooth. Etihad struggled in the pre-2020 era to make of the aircraft a money making machine as fellow UAE airline Emirates has. However, it seems it has found a spot for the A380 in its operations following 2020.
Toronto Flights EY21 Snatching The Airbus A380 From New York in Summer 2025
As we'll see later in the post Etihad has repositioned another of its A380s to Abu Dhabi, despite that it is dropping one destination from the aircraft type's schedule to introduce a new one. Toronto, Canada, will be a new Etihad Airways A380 destination, replacing New York JFK. The Abu Dhabi to New York service will be getting the aircraft currently serving Toronto. The Canadian city is a key strategic destination for middle eastern carriers, such as Etihad, as it is home to a huge expat population, particularly of Indian origin, that during the summer months travel back home to visit family and friends.
Flight EY21 from Abu Dhabi to Toronto currently is served by the Airbus A350-1000. The aircraft type switch will take place on June 24th 2025, thereafter EY21 will become an all Airbus A380 daily service with these timings:
- EY21: Departs Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 02:40, arriving next day in Toronto (YYZ) at 09:00.
- EY22: Departs Toronto (YYZ) at 13:40, arriving at Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 11:00 the next morning.
For those not accustomed to the Etihad Airbus A380 it is fitted with 3 (+1) travel classes:
- 10 First Class Suites
- 70 Business Class Seats
- 417 Economy Class Seats
The additional travel class is the wildly luxurious “The Residence” travel experience. This is much more akin to a private jet experience than a commercial service. It offers a private lounge, bedroom with double bed, and toilet fitted with a shower.
New York on the other hand will be receiving, as mentioned, the A350-1000 on one of two daily services. Specifically:
- EY1 will become an A350-1000 service
- EY3 will remain a Boeing 787-9 service
The A380s in Service – Where Do The Etihad A380s Fly?
Toronto will be the newest addition to the list of Etihad A380 served destinations. As of March 2025 the airline utilizes these aircraft to fly to:
- New York (JFK) – (to become an A350-1000 service on June 23rd)
- London Heathrow (LHR)
- Singapore (SIN)
- Paris (CDG)
It has gradually, in response to traffic and passengers demand, brought back more of its Airbus A380s from desert storage and put them to good use. The A380 has therefore become an integral part of Etihad's success in the post-2020 years, helping the airline finally turn profits more consistently in a more sustainable fashion.
Soon Another Etihad Airways Airbus A380 Returning To Service?
Etihad is not only among the few airlines to still own and fly the Airbus A380, it is also among the even fewer that have recently brought more back from desert storage. Etihad, as of March 11th 2025 utilizes 6 Airbus A380s in its daily flight operations. However, a seventh aircraft of the type has been relocated in past months.
The aircraft has registration number A6-APD and was parked in Teruel airport in Spain from March 2020 to December 2024. After 4 and a half years of sitting idle in the dry southern inland region of Spain, not far from Valencia, A6-APD made its first flight down to Abu Dhabi on December 12th 2024.
Currently it seems to have been put in storage in Abu Dhabi. The explanation for this is one of two:
- The aircraft is preparing to return to service. Etihad moved closer to home to have it available on shortish notice in case traffic figures require another A380 to return.
- A sadder possibility is that it might be needed for spare parts. As a jumbo aircraft lover I hope this is not the case.
Aviation News You Want To Know In Your Inbox
Get the most important aviation news in your inbox once a week.
"*" indicates required fields
