The A380 was purpose built for the Airlines like Etihad which use the Hub-Model, where flights are routed through big hubs such as Dubai Airport. To run this you need huge Planes to manage the high passenger flows between the hubs. However most Airlines seem to be moving to a point-to-point model, flying directly between destinations. They utilize larger fleets of smaller planes, like the A320.

Boeing has specially designed the B787 to serve as a point-to-point plane.

Airbus has also acquired a contolling stake in Bombariers C-Series Programme in a move towards smaller planes.