VA flight misses SYD curfew, returns to HBA

[Stealthflyer]

How often do SYD-bound aircraft take off and then have to return due to curfew?

The 8.25pm HBA-SYD flight was late boarding tonight. We were told to rush because they didn’t want to miss SYD curfew. Then we sat on the tarmac for what seemed like ages, probably waiting for the okay to chance it. I thought we were going to be unloaded again, but all of a sudden, the ground crew whisked the ramp away and at 9.30, the pilot took off with such pace you’d think he’d been taking tips from the youth of Bridgewater. Half an hour into the flight, we were told we were turning around because we were going to miss curfew. Then we all had to line up for a photocopied piece of paper saying our flight had been cancelled. A bit of a time and jet fuel waster.

Is it common for pilots to take such a risk with curfew? I mean, HBA-SYD is usually a 1 hour 50 min flight, so taking off 1.5 hours before curfew seems pretty tight.

 

[dajop]

Is it common for pilots to take such a risk with curfew? I mean, HBA-SYD is usually a 1 hour 50 min flight, so taking off 1.5 hours before curfew seems pretty tight.

Flying time is usually around 1:30 and as low as 1:24. 1:20 might have been a bit too optimistic though. Maybe they were hoping for a landing from the south, and then it became clear it would be from the north. Noticed a couple of weeks ago it diverted to MEL, presumably for the same reason.




Perhaps WSI + some buses will eventually solve these curfew problems. At least get people within an hour's drive of where they wanted to be. Although if VA have no presence there then may not be an option for them (and it would also leave an aircraft at the wrong airport).

 

[Stealthflyer]

Flying time is usually around 1:30 and as low as 1:24. 1:20 might have been a bit too optimistic though. Maybe they were hoping for a landing from the south, and then it became clear it would be from the north. Noticed a couple of weeks ago it diverted to MEL, presumably for the same reason.

View attachment 500248


Perhaps WSI + some buses will eventually solve these curfew problems. At least get people within an hour's drive of where they wanted to be. Although if VA have no presence there then may not be an option for them (and it would also leave an aircraft at the wrong airport).

Interesting, thanks for that info. I suppose at least diverting to MEL, there are more options for early morning flights /international connections.

 

[MH_fan]

Why was the flight delayed in the first place?
Being on a flight that lands close to curfew always stresses me out. Closest I ever came to curfew was with 10-15 minutes to spare after a delayed departure.

 

[Saab34]

Does curfew start at when the aircraft is cleared to land or when the gear touches the runway?

I recall for departures as long as you request pushback by 22.59 you are safe. I’ve had that before, we pushed at 22.59 then sat for 10 minutes while the crew kept doing what they needed to do. Sneaky, but it was safe and it worked.

 

[AIRwin]

Why was the flight delayed in the first place?

Inbound aircraft was late