Virgin Australia Delays/Cancellations

[Melburnian1]

On Friday 6 September 2024, VA887 (B738 VH-VUK, the 1930 hours MEL-SYD) took off to the west at 1957 but has then done a left turn near Wandong and then across to Woodend, and south almost to Bacchus Marsh before again heading north over the Lederderg Gorge (an area popular with hikers) and slightly to Woodend's west.

Maybe it's burning off kilograms of fuel prior to returning to MEL? If so, I don't know why.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

On Friday 6 September 2024, VA887 (B738 VH-VUK, the 1930 hours MEL-SYD) took off to the west at 1957 but has then done a left turn near Wandong and then across to Woodend, and south almost to Bacchus Marsh before again heading north over the Lederderg Gorge (an area popular with hikers.)

Maybe it's burning off kilograms of fuel prior to returning to MEL? If so, I don't know why.

Wow… i just checked it out, That is interesting. Wonder what’s going on!

 

[Melburnian1]

Wow… i just checked it out, That is interesting. Wonder what’s going on!

It looks to shortly be landing from the north, at approximately 2033 hours.

A problem with the aircraft, or a medical? I rarely listen to ATC. @AviatorInsight may know.

It'll be interesting to see if passengers on this flight reach Sydney tonight.

The aircraft landed at 2032 back in MEL according to FR24 (I made it 2033 hours). It's now invisible.

 

[AviatorInsight]

I flew VUK yesterday with an air con pack inoperative. Maybe the other one has let go?

It sat on the ground for most of the afternoon due to a possible bird strike on arrival into MEL earlier on.

I’ll do some digging and see if I can find anything.

 

[Melburnian1]

I flew VUK yesterday with an air con pack inoperative. Maybe the other one has let go?

It sat on the ground for most of the afternoon due to a possible bird strike on arrival into MEL earlier on.

I’ll do some digging and see if I can find anything.

Thank you @AviatorInsight. Very kind (typical) of you!

Amazing that you've been on that aircraft within the last 36 or so hours. Small world.

 

[AviatorInsight]

Thank you @AviatorInsight. Very kind (typical) of you!

Amazing that you've been on that aircraft within the last 36 or so hours. Small world.

Welcome.

Turns out, it was the right pack that tripped offline as well, which means no pressurisation of the aircraft, so a return to MEL was a good choice.

 

[Harrison_133]

It'll be interesting to see if passengers on this flight reach Sydney tonight.

The aircraft landed at 2032 back in MEL according to FR24 (I made it 2033 hours). It's now invisible.

Flight Aware shows an aircraft swap to VH-YQM with an estimated departure of 2145.

 

[Melburnian1]

Flight Aware shows an aircraft swap to VH-YQM with an estimated departure of 2145.

That plane has just appeared on the FR24 map, usually meaning it's about to push back.

FR24 incorrectly implies this aircraft (on its map) 'diverted to MEL' but of course it was VH-VUK that did this. (FR24 may be referring to the 'flight' though).

VA887 took off at 2220 hours for SYD where arrival at gate should be about 2325-2330. It must have approval from 'the delegate' (of the Federal Minister for Transport) to arrive in Sydney after 2300 hours.

 

[Melburnian1]

As at 1900 hours on Thursday 12 September, radar indicates Brisbane and Sydney are both experiencing storms.

One delay example is VA869, the 1715 hours MEL-SYD airborne at 1746, only at that stage about 10 minutes late. It has held above Yass, with arrival for B738 VH-VUW said to be 1930, 50 minutes late.

Many aircraft are holding on the approaches to each.