Virgin Australia Delays/Cancellations

[Melburnian1]

On Thursday 9 July, there's fog in Melbourne, though I'm unsure if it's to be blamed for late running as many flights seem at or close to time.

However VA811, the 0700 hours MEL-SYD (B738 VH-YFJ) did not take off until 0910 with SYD gate arrival forecast as 1025 hours, two hours late.

VA815 on the same route (the 0730 hours) was airborne at 0917 with arrival suggested as 1032, 97 behind for VH-YIS.

VA823 is the 0830 hours northbound (aircraft VH-VBY, a B737) that was in the sky from MEL at 0935, so its arrival at gate becomes a likely 1045, 50 minutes tardy.

VA819, the 0800 hours ex MEL is behind VA823, with the 819 taking off at 0941, meaning forecast gate arrival of 1049 hours, 84 minutes late. B738 VH-YIH has the task.

While it depends on how tight each daily schedule is - sometimes there can be a substantial allowed break during the middle of the day when demand is lower - most of these aircraft will find it difficult or impossible to make up much time by today's conclusion.

 

[Harrison_133]

On Thursday 9 July, there's fog in Melbourne, though I'm unsure if it's to be blamed for late running as many flights seem at or close to time.

Ground delay programs are in place for both Melbourne and Sydney this morning due to weather.

Sydney is also operating at a reduced flow rate due to the new Sydney area flight paths taking effect today.

 

[Melburnian1]

Ground delay programs are in place for both Melbourne and Sydney this morning due to weather.

Sydney is also operating at a reduced flow rate due to the new Sydney area flight paths taking effect today.

Unlikely that either fully explains one hour to 90 minute delays.

QFd's SYD-bound flights have some that are late, but typically only 20-30 minutes.

 

[Harrison_133]

Unlikely that either fully explains one hour to 90 minute delays.

QFd's SYD-bound flights have some that are late, but typically only 20-30 minutes.

All of the flights you listed above have a DL83 delay code (ATC restriction at destination airport) attached to them, so yes it does explain it.

 

[Melburnian1]

Much holding prior to arrival in Sydney during the evening of Friday 10 July 2026. Weather conditions look benign, so perhaps ATC again has a shortage of controllers due to some having taken sick leave during school holidays, as previously highlighted this week in 'The Australian'.

VA869 (B738 VH-8IL) is the 1715 hours MEL-SYD airborne at 1744, about 15 minutes late. However after holding above Gunning, NSW and then a second hold closer to Sydney, it isn't expected to arrive at gate until 1927 hours, 47 minutes late. A substantial time penalty.

VA429 is the 1630 hours ADL-SYD in the sky at 1706, about 20 late. It has VH-YQG and at 1911 hours remained in its second holding pattern with gate arrival forecast as 1936 hours, 41 minutes late.

VH-YFJ is operating the southbound VA496 from MCY down to SYD. This scheduled 1700 hours flight took off at 1727, so about 12 minutes late at that stage, but arrival at gate won't be until about 1924 hours, 44 minutes behind schedule.