The Doha-based carrier said it had “reluctantly” decided to bring the A380 back into service for the first time in 18 months earlier this week, due to an “ongoing capacity shortage”.

Qatar Airways has currently grounded 19 of its Airbus A350 fleet due to an “accelerated surface degradation condition”.

The airline said it now planned to bring “at least” five of its 10 A380s temporarily back into service during the next few weeks. The aircraft will operate on key winter routes, including Doha-Heathrow, from 15 December 2021.

It has also recently reintroduced several A330 aircraft to help meet increasing passenger demand ahead of the winter peak period.

Qatar Airways’ chief executive Akbar Al Baker stressed the return to service of the A380s was a “short-term measure” and would not be a “permanent” move.

“The recent grounding of 19 Qatar Airways A350 fleet has left us with no alternative but to temporarily bring some of our A380 fleet back on key winter routes,” he added.

“This difficult decision reflects the gravity of the A350 issue and is intended to be a short-term measure to assist us in balancing our commercial needs.

“It does not signify a permanent reintroduction of our A380 fleet, which were grounded in favour of more fuel-efficient, twin-engine aircraft at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.”