This one's been bugging me for a while...
In regards to MEL/SYD-UAE flights, why do some route via Singapore/Malaysia/India/UAE and some route Perth/Maldives/UAE. I've noticed it's very mixed every day across all carriers, I found it odd that they were weaving through all parts of Asia enroute, traffic was heavy whilst the Maldives route was completely clear and it's a very direct route requiring little deviation.
The other night
Etihad (MEL-AUH) and Emirates left right with each other, both A380s.
Etihad flew Perth/Maldives/UAE and Emirates went way up north and went via Singapore/Malaysia and mid India. There appeared to be a lot of track deviations as they went through Asia which I assumed would just slow things down.