The world’s largest aircraft touched down on the tarmac at Glasgow Airport over the weekend and was greeted by business leaders, politicians, and the public.
Emirates’ flagship A380 arrived for the first time since September 2019.
The double-decker plane, which can carry up to 517 passengers, received a warm welcome by bagpipe players as it taxied to the stand.
The Emirates check-in counter at Glasgow Airport was also decked out with celebratory red balloons and “welcome back” signs.
Richard Jewsbury, Emirates divisional vice president in the UK, said: “We’re very proud to bring back our iconic A380 to Glasgow, providing much-needed capacity on this popular route.”
Emirates is resuming its Glasgow to Dubai service, with departure from Glasgow at 2.35pm and arriving in Dubai at 1.05am the following day.
The return flights depart Dubai at 7.50am, to arrive in Glasgow at 12.45pm.
Standing over 24 metres high and with a wingspan of nearly 80 metres, the A380 has been huge draw while operating on the Glasgow Dubai route, which commenced back in April 2004.
This is the third time the Paisley-based airport has welcomed the A380, which first visited on April 10, 2014, to celebrate Emirates’ 10th anniversary.
In April 2019, the aircraft also made Scottish aviation history by becoming the first A380 to form part of a scheduled service anywhere in Scotland.
Aviation enhusiasts gathered outside the airport to watch the humongous plane land, with a map detailing the best viewing points, being shared by the airport in advance of its landing.
Police Scotland deployed special measures on the day of its arrival to deal with the public interest.
Ronald Leitch, Glasgow Airport’s operations director, said: “Watching the iconic Airbus A380 aircraft touch down once again is a special experience not only for everyone who works at the airport, but also the huge number of aviation enthusiasts and members of the public who gathered today to capture the moment.”
Also in attendance were Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, Natalie Don MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce CEO Stuart Patrick, and Bob Grant, CEO Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce.
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