Qantas Delays/Cancellations

...Today's (Tuesday 5) QF61, the 0920 hours BNE - NRT has been altered to a redeye, departing BNE at 2200 tonight with arrival estimated at 0615 hours bright and early on Wednesday 6, 765 minutes late.
...

On Tuesday 5 February, QF61D departed BNE as proposed at 2200 with Wednesday 6 arrival at NRT 0629 hours. A333 VH-QPE operated this hugely delayed flight. Google flights claims that it 'arrived 26 minutes late.' This is falsely based on the dramatically amended time, but the reality for passengers is that they actually arrived 779 minutes late.

Yesterday, VH-QPE stabled in Brisbane all day after arriving at 0531 hours, nine minutes early on QF62 ex NRT, but given Flyerqf's excellent hypothesis about the limited availability of slots at NRT (including severe limitations on when QF can land and takeoff, this inefficient QF25/QF26 style of delayed operation was unavoidable.
 
Last edited:
QF127, the 0930 hours SYD - HKG on Wednesday 6 February is expected to push back 50 minutes late.

Due to yesterday's delayed QF27, QF28 from SCL back across to SYD departed on Tuesday 6 at 1440 hours, 65 late. Wednesday arrival is forecast for 1825, 45 late.

The Tuesday 5 February A388, VH-OQL, QF2, from LHR is estimated to depart at midnight local time. SIN arrival should be at 2035 hours, 170 late with departure on Wednesday 6 at a yet to be publicised time, but probably 2205 making SYD Thursday 7 arrival approximately 0820 hours if the flight can manage to hold to these other estimated times. LHR has an annual aircraft movements cap for the 'small hours.'
 
Last edited:
The Tuesday 5 February A388, VH-OQL, QF2, from LHR is estimated to depart at midnight local time. SIN arrival should be at 2035 hours, 170 late with departure on Wednesday 6 at a yet to be publicised time, but probably 2205 making SYD Thursday 7 arrival approximately 0820 hours if the flight can manage to hold to these other estimated times. LHR has an annual aircraft movements cap for the 'small hours.'

It’s now almost 1am in London, I am guessing QF2 won’t be leaving tonight which means another SIN-SYD flight will be disrupted this evening leaving QF82 as the only one which will be operating on schedule. QF84 has been rescheduled to an unearthly departure of 03.30 tomorrow morning due to the late arrival of QF51 from BNE.
 
It’s now almost 1am in London, I am guessing QF2 won’t be leaving tonight which means another SIN-SYD flight will be disrupted this evening leaving QF82 as the only one which will be operating on schedule. QF84 has been rescheduled to an unearthly departure of 03.30 tomorrow morning due to the late arrival of QF51 from BNE.

Yes, I've been looking at QF2. I noted the delay to QF84 tonight (to 0330 tomorrow morning ex SIN) in post #9395.

Heathrow's annual cap on night movements is 5800:

Night flights | Noise | Heathrow

but it says it's keen to avoid these. It produces detailed reports such as this (a lot more in it than the equivalent in Australia):

https://www.heathrow.com/file_source/HeathrowNoise/Static/LHR-ANP-Q3-2018-FINAL.pdf

There's no indication that QF2 has departed LHR. It remains showing as 'delayed' with a midnight departure on the QF website.

Any enforced overnight LHR stay for QF2 may have an adverse implication for an A388 departure ex SYD on Thursday 7 February.

Given that QF has fewer A388-qualified flight crew staying in London at any one time now that QF9/QF10 have switched to B789s, it will be interesting to see what time on Wednesday QF2D is able to depart. The SYD curfew is another limiting factor.
 
Last edited:
QF is showing the overnight delayed QF2 as departing LHR at 1300 hours on Wednesday 6 February, a delay of 975 minutes. The SIN stop is expected as 0930 to 1100 on Thursday 7, the latter 945 minutes late with SYD arrival tomorrow evening at a predicted 2205 hours, 950 late. While not suited to many in the business sector who want to board a plane late at night after a day of meetings and deals, it's an attractive retimed schedule for leisure travellers who may not like the typical super morning 0510 or 0600 arrival into Oz. JohnK doesn't, and I share his view.

While often in the past QF has managed to keep to such amended times, there's unfortunate potential for additional late running to mean that VH-OQL will miss curfew at SYD tomorrow night. Fingers crossed.

One wonders if QF10 ex LHR on Thursday has spare seats whether that option would be offered to selected passengers bound for ADL, HBA, LST or MEL originally booked on the overnight delayed QF2.

QF439, the 1400 hours SYD - MEL has been cancelled on Wednesday 6.
 
Last edited:
With storms apparently hitting Melbourne airport in the next 45 min, QF have made an announcement that they are waiving changes in any ticket to minimise disruptions.

I was booked on the 7pm, moved to 4 30pm flight. That meant from a A330 to 737 and middle seat. My neighbour will hate me for my very weak bladder.

In saying that, I tried to change flights over the phone, outside the lounge and both were no, no due to my E-red deal, even though I explained it was merely weather concerns and not wanting to be disrupted.

Now let’s see if I leave just before the storm...
 
With storms around MEL (but not at it), QF1016 (B738 VH-VZH, the 1750 hours HBA - MEL) on Wednesday 6 February 2019 had a missed approach at about 1904 hours on runway 27, after VA168 from AKL had two: one on 16 and one on 27.

A332 VH-EBV on QF476, the 1120 hours late morning PER across to MEL in the sky at 1312 hours should arrive at about 1922, 87 late if it can manage to land.

UPDATE: QF1016 is diverting to CBR. As at 1925,a heavy storm was over MEL so many aircraft were holding, and there were no departures.
 
Last edited:
With storms around MEL (but not at it), QF1016 (B738 VH-VZH, the 1750 hours HBA - MEL) on Wednesday 6 February 2019 had a missed approach at about 1904 hours on runway 27, after VA168 from AKL had two: one on 16 and one on 27.

A332 VH-EBV on QF476, the 1120 hours late morning PER across to MEL in the sky at 1312 hours should arrive at about 1922, 87 late if it can manage to land.

UPDATE: QF1016 is diverting to CBR. As at 1925,a heavy storm was over MEL so many aircraft were holding, and there were no departures.
Looking by the pattern you may be right.
It was already bumpy out of MEL, so glad I left earlier
 
Landings resumed at 1931 hours in MEL on 6 February with Tt263, followed closely by QF476 ex PER (A332 VH-EBV), the latter arriving 103 minutes late at 1938 hours.

QF833 from CBR to MEL should arrive at 1945, 35 late with B738 VH-VXI.

The 1730 hours SYD - MEL, QF455, took off at 1810 with B738 VH-VXS. Arrival should be at 1953. 48 late.

QF481, the 1855 hours MEL across to PER (B738 VH-VXS) was able to take off at 1942, so predicted arrival is 2032 hours, 32 late.
 
Last edited:
Australia's highest-earning Velocity Frequent Flyer credit card: Offer expires: 21 Jan 2025
- Earn 60,000 bonus Velocity Points
- Get unlimited Virgin Australia Lounge access
- Enjoy a complimentary return Virgin Australia domestic flight each year

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

Earlier today (Wednesday 6 February), QF117 (1550 hours SYD - HKG) was showing as punctual but it did not take off until 1952 hours. Arrival is predicted for 0202 on Thursday 7, 227 minutes tardy.
 
QF is showing the overnight delayed QF2 as departing LHR at 1300 hours on Wednesday 6 February, a delay of 975 minutes. The SIN stop is expected as 0930 to 1100 on Thursday 7, the latter 945 minutes late with SYD arrival tomorrow evening at a predicted 2205 hours, 950 late. While not suited to many in the business sector who want to board a plane late at night after a day of meetings and deals, it's an attractive retimed schedule for leisure travellers who may not like the typical super morning 0510 or 0600 arrival into Oz. JohnK doesn't, and I share his view.

While often in the past QF has managed to keep to such amended times, there's unfortunate potential for additional late running to mean that VH-OQL will miss curfew at SYD tomorrow night. Fingers crossed......

One hopes it was not 'mozzed' but QF2 timetabled ex LHR on Tuesday night has been further delayed to an expected 1945 hours on Wednesday 6 February. SIN intermediate times have become 1645 to 1915, a much longer stop than usual due to the SYD curferw, with consequent expected SYD arrival on Friday at 0620 hours, 24 hours and five minutes late.

As a result, QF127, the 0930 hours Thursday morning SYD - HKG has become a B744, as will the returning redeye QF128. This is lower capacity than an A388 and given that it's Lunar New year, one would expect this route to be busy. Maybe some will have to be found other flights?
 
Last edited:
In more on 6 February 2019, QF2289, the 1855 hours early evening MEL down to LST was in the sky at 2023 with Q400 VH-QOH. Arrival should be at 2121 tonight, 71 late.

The 1815 hours SYD down to MEL, QF477, took off at 1839, only about 10 late. It had VH-VYZ but did not arrive until 2033, 43 late, showing how much time can be lost when weather is inclement.

QF478, 1845 hours MEL - SYD was cancelled as was opposite number, identically timed QF479.
 
Last edited:
A333 VH=QPE operated the overnight delayed QF62D from NRT to BNE on Wednesday 6 February, raking off at 0920 hours and arriving at 1909. It then was airborne on the significantly delayed QF51D (BNE - SIN) at 2044, arriving at 0210 hours on Thursday 7 with at least one AFF member (see above) on board.

It then turned around and is running QF84, normally the 2210 hours SIN - SYD overnight flight. It was in the sky at 0349 hours after departing at 0334, with arrival suggested as 1435 this afternoon, 320 minutes late, also with an AFFer travelling.

Due to the unexpectedly delayed QF117 (see above), QF118, Wednesday 6's scheduled 2335 hours HKG = SYD was airborne at 0310 hours on Thursday 7. Arrival should be at roughly 1545 hours, 220 late. VH-EBG is the A332.
 
...QF2 timetabled ex LHR on Tuesday night has been further delayed to an expected 1945 hours on Wednesday 6 February. SIN intermediate times have become 1645 to 1915, a much longer stop than usual due to the SYD curferw, with consequent expected SYD arrival on Friday at 0620 hours, 24 hours and five minutes late...

QF2D (VH-OQI, not OQL) departed LHR at 2048 on Wednesday 6 February. SIN times should be 1725 to 1915 on Thursday 7 and SYD arrival 0620 hours on Friday 8.
 
Last edited:
As a result, QF127, the 0930 hours Thursday morning SYD - HKG has become a B744, as will the returning redeye QF128. This is lower capacity than an A388 and given that it's Lunar New year, one would expect this route to be busy. Maybe some will have to be found other flights?

Not sure about Syd-hkg flights but my Mel-hkg has been swapped from 787 to 747. I’m now waiting for my HKG-bne to follow that pattern. And seriously questioning whether I should still pursue my upgrade to J when the difference between the 2 products is abysmal
 
Not sure about Syd-hkg flights but my Mel-hkg has been swapped from 787 to 747. I’m now waiting for my HKG-bne to follow that pattern. And seriously questioning whether I should still pursue my upgrade to J when the difference between the 2 products is abysmal

A confusing post, because QF98, the HKG - BNE redeye is proposed for (or has been) variously an A333, A332 or B789, not a B744 as far as I know. Why would you believe it would become a B744?
 
A confusing post, because QF98, the HKG - BNE redeye is proposed for (or has been) variously an A333, A332 or B789, not a B744 as far as I know. Why would you believe it would become a B744?
Some days the aircraft going as QF29 turns back as QF98, hence cancellation on 05/02
 
In more on Thursday 7 February, QF12 (LAX - SYD, A388 VH-OQC) is arriving at 0932 hours, 57 late. It had departed LAX exactly an hour late on Tuesday night, even though the connecting B789 on QF12 ex JFK arrived LAX nine early at 2046 hours.

For the third consecutive day (and the second with VH-OEJ), QF29 (0945 hours MEL - HKG) has become a B744. This is because B789 Vh-ZNG remains under repair following its catering truck collision.

During the next few days (from tomorrow), QF29 is variously rostered for B789 (Friday and Saturday), then two days of a B744, then a B789, then (13 February) A332 followed by two more days of B789. Quite the problem for anyone who has selected a preferred seat using ExpertFlyer a few weeks ago.

Does anyone know when this B789 will be back operating revenue flights?
 
Last edited:
The 0930 hours BNE - HKG, QF97 on Thursday 7 February departed at 1155 hours so arrival is a predicted 1846 hours, 136 late. This aircraft, A332 VH-EBS, had arrived in BNE two minutes early at 0553 this morning on QF52 ex SIN.

QF117, the 1550 hours mid afternoon SYD - HKG is expected to depart 55 minutes late but going on the allocated gate numbers, it is not being formed by the delayed QF118 or QF84 arrivals ex (respectively) HKG and SIN.

QF2 ex LHR on Wednesday 6 departed LHR at 2137, 52 late, not long after QF2D had pushed back 24 hours late.
 
Last edited:
"Enjoy" the amended 0215 hours Thursday 7 February SIN expected arrival, 500 minutes late.

Have you asked QF whether it will provide meal vouchers for lunch and dinner at the airport tomorrow for those who lack lounge access? (Irrelevant to you if you have this).

I assume you are only required to check in prior to 1920 hours, but there'll inevitably be some who have already arranged to be at the airport at say 0900 hours, or who must check out of an hotel by 1000 or 1100 and then have to spend all day at BNE airport.

It was chaos for JQ recently in MEL but it's now not far off that for QF patrons in BNE with QF61/62 and now QF51 badly affected.

QF84, the scheduled 2210 hours Wednesday 7 SIN down to SYD has been changed to depart at the unseemly hour of 0330 hours on Thursday 7 February, with arrival predicted as 1425 hours, 310 minutes tardy.

I ended up rebooking to QF525 (BNE-SYD) and QF1. Arrived 4hrs earlier than QF51 but obviously spend most of my day at the airport (which was fine since I had lounge access in Brisbane and Sydney).
 

Become an AFF member!

Join Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF) for free and unlock insider tips, exclusive deals, and global meetups with 65,000+ frequent flyers.

AFF members can also access our Frequent Flyer Training courses, and upgrade to Fast-track your way to expert traveller status and unlock even more exclusive discounts!

AFF forum abbreviations

Wondering about Y, J or any of the other abbreviations used on our forum?

Check out our guide to common AFF acronyms & abbreviations.
Back
Top