Denver International Airport (DEN) is exploring the possibility of nonstop flights to South Korea, potentially adding the Airbus A380 to its roster of aircraft. The airport recently conducted an online survey asking passengers about their interest in a direct connection to South Korea. This initiative follows the recent success of Lufthansa’s A380 flights from Munich to Denver, which began on April 30, 2025.
The survey, titled the South Korea Air Travel Survey, aims to gauge demand for a nonstop route from DEN to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN). DEN has stated that since 1995, it has been expanding its global destinations and now seeks to enhance its international connectivity further. According to the airport’s official statement, “DEN seeks to expand air service globally to support business, education, cultural exchanges, leisure and personal travel.”
Korean Air, a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, currently operates five Airbus A380 aircraft in its fleet. As the airline continues its merger with Asiana Airlines, it is expected to receive additional superjumbos, potentially increasing its capacity to connect Denver with South Korea. United Airlines, a founding member of the Star Alliance, could also be a contender for this route, given that Denver is one of its primary hubs.
Korean Air’s A380 Experience
Korean Air’s Airbus A380s are equipped to provide a luxurious flying experience. These aircraft have an average age of 11.7 years and are configured in a three-class layout, accommodating a total of 407 passengers. The upper deck features ‘Prestige’ business class with flatbeds, arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration. The lower deck includes 12 first-class flatbeds, arranged in a 1-2-1 layout to ensure direct aisle access for all passengers. The remaining seats in economy class are set in a 3-4-3 configuration.
Currently, Korean Air operates its A380s on routes to major cities including Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Taipei (TPE), and Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT). The airline, like many others, has faced challenges with delays in new aircraft deliveries, leading to a delay in the retirement of its A380s.
Lufthansa’s Success with A380 Flights
Lufthansa’s inaugural A380 flights to Denver proved to be a significant success. Initially scheduled for a five-month operation, the high demand led the German flag carrier to extend its services by an additional month. Following the end of its initial operations, Lufthansa announced plans to return its A380 to Denver in the summer of 2026, with flights resuming on June 9 of that year.
The enthusiasm from both the airport and the airlines indicates a strong desire to enhance international travel options from Denver. As DEN continues to assess the feasibility of nonstop flights to South Korea, the potential for Korean Air to join Lufthansa in providing service to the region presents an exciting opportunity for travelers.
Denver International Airport’s ambitions to attract another operator of the Airbus A380 could lead to increased connectivity and options for passengers looking to travel between the United States and South Korea. The outcome of the survey may play a crucial role in determining whether this route will become a reality, making it a significant development in the aviation landscape.
