Emirates To Switch Barcelona Flights To A380

A B777-300ER currently flies the route but the A380 will add almost 44% to the service’s capacity.

The service will be the Barcelona El Prat’s first permanent A380 service, according to Emirates.

Barcelona, which joined Emirates' route map in July 2012, is among the carrier’s most successful new destinations from last year, said Hubert Frach, divisional senior VP Commercial Operations West.

"In line with this steady growth we feel that the time is ripe to announce the launch of our A380 service, which will continue to connect customers in Spain with Dubai as well as key destinations in Australasia, the Indian Subcontinent and the Far East."

Travellers will be able to fly to 12 destinations in Australia and the Far and Middle East through onward A380 flights from Dubai, said the carrier.

"The A380 has been a part of our fleet for almost five years and continues to pique customer interest wherever it flies. Introducing the A380 to Barcelona permanently will not only increase our capacity but will also further highlight our commitment to the city," said Frach.

Emirates A380s already serve 21 destinations and are due to launch on four routes in the next six months.

Flights to Brisbane switch to A380s on October 1, Los Angeles on December 2, Mauritius on December 16, and Zurich on January 1, 2014.