Lufthansa has announced the launch of seven Airbus A380 routes for the summer of 2026, marking a significant expansion in its long-haul service. This update follows Qatar Airways’ introduction of superjumbo flights to Singapore and reflects Lufthansa’s strategic planning for the upcoming travel season. The airline will operate the double-decker aircraft from Munich to Boston, Delhi, Denver, Los Angeles, Mumbai, San Francisco, and Washington Dulles.
New Routes and Notable Changes
For the summer of 2026, Lufthansa will introduce the Airbus A380 to Mumbai for the first time. This addition is particularly noteworthy as it will replace the previously scheduled A350-900, resulting in a remarkable increase of 73% in seating capacity, bringing the total to 509 seats per flight. The A380 configuration includes eight first-class suites, 78 business-class seats, 52 premium economy seats, and 371 economy seats.
Notably, Lufthansa will not operate the A380 to New York’s JFK airport next summer, a departure from its seasonal service since 2023. The airline’s decision to substitute the superjumbo with the A350-900 for this route reflects broader trends in airline scheduling and capacity management. Currently, Emirates remains the only airline scheduled to operate the A380 to JFK, with three daily services.
Flight Schedules and Connectivity
The new flights from Munich will be operational as follows:
– **Boston**: Daily service begins March 29, 2026
– **Delhi**: Daily service year-round
– **Denver**: Daily service resumes March 26, 2026
– **Los Angeles**: Daily service begins March 29, 2026
– **Mumbai**: Daily service starts August 1, 2026 (new route)
– **San Francisco**: Three flights per week starting August 1, 2026
– **Washington Dulles**: Daily service year-round
The flight to Mumbai, LH766, will depart Munich at 12:20 and arrive in India at 23:50 local time. The return flight, LH767, is scheduled to leave at 01:45 and reach Europe by 06:30 local time, facilitating convenient connections to various North American cities.
Lufthansa’s A380s are set to remain in service until at least the 2030s, with plans for retrofitting to enhance passenger comfort and maintain competitiveness in the market. The introduction of the A380 to Mumbai will also re-establish first-class service on this route, which has not been available since September 2024.
As the summer travel season approaches, Lufthansa’s strategic route planning reflects evolving market demands and the airline’s commitment to providing enhanced services to travelers. The addition of the A380 to Mumbai and the reintroduction of services to other key destinations are expected to attract a significant number of passengers seeking premium travel experiences.
