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.

 

[Melburnian1]

With SYD, BNE and MEL airports busy due partly to school holidays and/or the AFL Grand Final's patrons making their way down for the Grand Final street parade on Friday, a public holiday in Melbourne, unsurprising there's some delayed flights.

VA346, the 1755 hours BNE-MEL (B738 VH-VOK) was not airborne until 1854 hours, so gate arrival becomes an estimated 2108 hours, 48 minutes behind the eight ball.

The OOL down to MEL VA744 (VH-YIJ) is the 1555 hours that wasn't pointing skywards until 1726 hours. Arrival should be 1942 hours, 82 minutes late.

VA868 is the 1715 hours SYD to MEL (VH-VUE) that should arrive 46 late at 1936 hours.

VA852, the 1745 hours on the same Australian #1 route, is suggested as gate arrival 38 late at 1958 hours.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Believe me… VA doesn’t need an excuse like school holidays for delays! lol.

To be honest, pax numbers shouldn’t affect performance. If pax aren’t there in time the plane should just go!

 

[Melburnian1]

Believe me… VA doesn’t need an excuse like school holidays for delays! lol.

True, but I was more referring to possible delays from air traffic being at a higher level than normal for Thursday, meaning planes have an increased possibility of being placed in a holding pattern if an arrival, or waiting for clearance from ATC to depart.

 

[Melburnian1]

On Sunday 6 October 2024, VA50, the 1535 hours mid afternoon flight from DPS down to BNE was in the sky at 1720. B738 VH-81B should arrive at about 0033 hours on Monday 7, 73 minutes tardy.