A Qantas Airbus A330 had a very circuitous route from Melbourne to Perth yesterday, which has an unusual explanation (thanks to Matt for flagging this)…
In this post:
Qantas’ very long flight from Perth to Melbourne
This situation happened on Thursday, February 15, 2024, and involves Qantas flight QF780 from Perth (PER) to Melbourne (MEL). This flight was operated by a 21-year-old Airbus A330-200 with the registration code VH-EBB. This 1,681-mile route is operated by Qantas multiple times per day.
So, what made this flight unusual? Well, on February 15, this flight took 4hr58min, and flew a total distance of 2,775 miles. As you can see, the jet flew northeast all the way to Queensland, and then started flying almost directly south down through New South Wales, prior to landing in Melbourne. The plane ended up arriving in Melbourne over two hours behind schedule.
Just to compare that to a regular flight in the market, the same exact flight the day before spent 3hr7min in the air, and flew a distance of just 1,734 miles.
The weird explanation for this circuitous route
Suffice it to say that it’s incredibly strange to operate a route that’s about two hours and 1,000 miles longer than it usually is. What makes this even more surprising is that Virgin Australia operated a flight around the same time with a Boeing 737, and that took just over three hours, and had a direct routing. So, what’s the explanation?
When doing route planning, airlines have to plan for potential diversion points. This includes diversion points in the event of an emergency, and also includes diversion points in the event that arrivals are no longer possible at the intended destination airport.
According to the theories I’ve seen, Adelaide (ADL) would be a potential diversion point for this route. However, when this flight was operating, the airport runway was closed for construction during late night hours.
So the Qantas A330 needed to operate a different route so that it had an acceptable diversion point. The airline reportedly operated further north than normal, so that Alice Springs (ASP) would be a diversion point within range.
The reason the Virgin Australia 737 didn’t have to take this route is because there are more diversion points for 737s rather than A330s, since the runways don’t need to be as long.
Now, I have to say, I’m not sure I 100% follow this explanation?
- Are Qantas’ A330s not ETOPS rated? For a three hour nonstop flight between Perth and Melbourne, you wouldn’t even be more than 90 or so minutes from either airport
- Was this about having sufficient diversion points in the event Melbourne closed? If so, couldn’t Canberra (CBR) be used as a diversion point, since Brisbane (BNE) and Sydney (SYD) have curfews?
I’m sure there’s a perfectly good explanation, so I’m hoping someone can help me make full sense of it.
Bottom line
A Qantas Airbus A330 flying from Perth to Melbourne spent roughly two hours and 1,000 miles longer than usual in the air. It’s not often you see a plane flying this far out of the way, especially when a Virgin Australia 737 operated a direct routing at the same time.
Apparently this comes down to lack of suitable diversion points, due to Adelaide’s runway being resurfaced at the time of this flight, so the plane needed to instead stay within some distance of Alice Springs. It’s all very strange…
What do you make of this Qantas A330 flight?
Brisbane has a curfew! ... Archerfield (South West Brisbane) does not but Archerfield is limited to Learjet sized aircraft.
I guess, autopilot (on a wrong Cairns destination setting) and two napping flight crew is a bad combination ... just saying.
Sorry Yuletide, it's "full stop" in Oz and not "period".
Fair point, but in North America it's called a period.
Canberra and Sydney have curfews, Brisbane does not, that perhaps explains the more northerly path once past Alice Springs.
All thanks to the NONSENSICAL curfew at SYD. :-(
"A Qantas Airbus A330 had a very circuitous route from Melbourne to Perth yesterday." Your headline correctly stated it's Perth to Melbourne.
BNE does not have a curfew.
We had a similar experience coming from Wellington to Melbourne. 5.5hrs via lord Howe Island because of a faulty generator. Only had 2 instead of 3 also Qantas
The miles referenced in the article are nautical miles, the international standard for air navigation (60 NM is one degree of latitude), so an appropriate use of units in this situation.
Thank you David. I’m surprised by the ignorance of this fact in many comments.
Thank you to the author for raising awareness of this navigational issue, and other commentators for their learned responses, except for the pedantic grammar lessons.
https://x.com/flightradar24/status/1758610866931425341?s=46&t=7dvG3eFYNJ_deb8on8A1QQ
Brisbane doesn't currently have a curfew
This aircraft had items broken that restricted its operation so that at all times it had to be 60 minutes from the nearest available airport. As it was overnight Adelaide had runway works effectively making it unavailable for use. Hence the dog leg. Nothing serious. This happens a lot more than people realise.
They were burning fuel for some reason....maybe something was wrong with the plane and they didn't want to land with so much fuel.....
Huh no it’s due to restrictions of being within 60 mins of an open airfield.
This is all due to ridiculous 'red tape'. Bad planning.
First of all the flight plan as to be approved by the ATC before even the pilots board the aircraft. Second ATC would have to separate the aircraft around that time aircraft were delayed in departing so those are the 2 main reasons
Adelaide Airport’s Main Runway and Taxiways Overlay Project is an important part of our ongoing maintenance program.
The existing runway and taxiway surfaces have been servicing Adelaide Airport since 2010/2011 and are now due for maintenance to ensure continued operational effectiveness. This major asphalt resurfacing (overlay) project of the runway and taxiways will ensure the safety and serviceability of aircraft operations at Adelaide Airport for the next 10-12 years.
Along with the overlay works, the...
Adelaide Airport’s Main Runway and Taxiways Overlay Project is an important part of our ongoing maintenance program.
The existing runway and taxiway surfaces have been servicing Adelaide Airport since 2010/2011 and are now due for maintenance to ensure continued operational effectiveness. This major asphalt resurfacing (overlay) project of the runway and taxiways will ensure the safety and serviceability of aircraft operations at Adelaide Airport for the next 10-12 years.
Along with the overlay works, the existing incandescent runway lights and first-generation LED taxiway fitting will be replaced with more energy-efficient LED light fittings, assisting to reduce our carbon footprint and meet Adelaide Airport’s sustainability targets.
The asphalt resurfacing works of the main runway and adjacent taxiways will commence construction from October 2023 with expected completion in August 2024.
There will be no works over the Christmas and New Year break, from 20 December 2023 to 7 January 2024.
To minimise disruptions to flight schedules, and to take advantage of the airport curfew that limits aircraft movements between 11pm and 6am, construction works will be mostly carried out during the curfew period for up to 6 nights per week.
This project will require periodic temporary closure of the main runway while resurfacing works are undertaken. The limited aircraft operations that are permitted to operate during the night curfew hours will utilise the cross runway (oriented south-east to north-west) when the main runway is closed. On average, there are approximately 10 aircraft movements per night, and up to 15 aircraft movements on a busy night during the curfew hours, the majority of which are emergency services and freight operators.
Taylor Swift was arriving so perhaps the airport was too busy to handle other flights. Last night 96,000 fans went to the MCG to see one of her 3 concerts being held in Melbourne this weekend .
Imagine the size of the crew and equipment that needed clearing in Melbourne
Also at least 60% of concert goers flew in to Melbourne
Thanks TAyTay shd just gave Melbournes economy a $1b lift and then she hits Sydney
As long as we're talking about grammar, Ben, I really don't understand why you use a question mark in a sentence like "Now, I have to say, I’m not sure I 100% follow this explanation?" (sic) It's a statement, not a question, and should terminate with a period.
This is his blog, not an AP English exam.
The bigger issue is why the whole higher education system, APENG included, is nothing but a big scam.
People read this blog and understands.
This blog makes a lot of money, thus a successful career.
The only thing you get out of AP is one person complaining, one person downplay the importance. Both likely knowledgeable.
But rather freaking out about grammar, ChatGPT and fake contents should be your biggest concern.
Obsessed about grammar over...
The bigger issue is why the whole higher education system, APENG included, is nothing but a big scam.
People read this blog and understands.
This blog makes a lot of money, thus a successful career.
The only thing you get out of AP is one person complaining, one person downplay the importance. Both likely knowledgeable.
But rather freaking out about grammar, ChatGPT and fake contents should be your biggest concern.
Obsessed about grammar over the content, especially when the message is quite clear. That's the big scam to get you on student loans.
What on Earth are you blathering about, Eskimo? You sound completely demented.
It was the scenic route.
BNE doesn’t have a curfew. Just between 10pm and 6am the aircraft have to arrive and depart over the bay to minimise noise for local residents…….
It probably has to be some kind of programming error loading flight plan. And not very vigilant flight deck
I was on a flight earlier that day QF774, it was due to them closing one of the Melbourne runways hence a backup of flights, we had a slight delay as well...
I don‘t buy the explanations based on diversion
points. Yes, in case ADL is not available, it may have to take a route slightly more north, but not that much.
There are a number of diversion points which are acceptable for a 332 operating a relatively short flight (i.e. without too much fuel). Kalgoorlie, then Alice Spring then Broken Hill then Canberra come to mind. Even without ETOPS they need to overly the diversion...
I don‘t buy the explanations based on diversion
points. Yes, in case ADL is not available, it may have to take a route slightly more north, but not that much.
There are a number of diversion points which are acceptable for a 332 operating a relatively short flight (i.e. without too much fuel). Kalgoorlie, then Alice Spring then Broken Hill then Canberra come to mind. Even without ETOPS they need to overly the diversion points directly, i.e. they could fly 60min south of them.
*they don‘t need to overfly
It's obvious.... The pilots fell asleep. Sheesh!
From a ATC who handled the flight, had to be within 60 minutes of AYQ,ASP, ISA, BNE as ETOPS not allowed sure to MEL item.
Probably had a MEL that precluded it from being used under ETOPS and was easier to fly this route than try and fix it.
Why is this story in "miles"? We have been using the metric system in Australia since i was born. Miles doesn't get taught here in Australia. If your under 55, you are taught the metric system only! At least have the courtesy of putting both measurements so us readers don't have to do a conversion.
Gee, TR. The readers of this blog are from all over the globe, and Ben happens to be based in the US where distances are measured in miles. It is impossible and, frankly, unnecessary to always cater to everybody's preferences. You get free and informative content here; please be grateful for it. And if you need a conversion from miles to km, Google is your friend.
Well, a blog with readers from all over the globe should preferably use units used all over the globe, not some obscure prehistoric units only used by one place on the planet, shouldn't it? ;) Not that I care that much but you provided an argument for the opposite of what you're arguing.
They only want to cater to Americans rather than using the metric system and asking them to convert as many of them expect everyone to follow their rules. I’m familiar with both so easy to do so mentally although Americans use pounds for weight which I have no clue about.
Ben should change his son’s name to Kilometre. lol
"If your under 55, you are taught the metric system only!"
Regardless of how old you are, you are taught to use the correct "you're" only! At least have the courtesy of correcting your mistakes so us readers don't have to read them.
Since you're complaining about someone else's grammar: that should read "we readers" not "us readers". Wrong case.
Aircraft and ships always use nautical miles for navigation purposes. https://www.google.com/search?q=nautical+mile&oq=nautical+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqEAgCEAAYkQIYsQMYgAQYigUyBggAEEUYOTINCAEQABiRAhiABBiKBTIQCAIQABiRAhixAxiABBiKBTINCAMQABiRAhiABBiKBTIMCAQQABhDGIAEGIoFMgoIBRAAGLEDGIAEMhAIBhAuGK8BGMcBGLoCGIAEMhAIBxAuGK8BGMcBGLoCGIAEMgcICBAAGIAEMgcICRAAGIAEMgcIChAAGIAEMgcICxAAGIAEMgcIDBAAGIAEMhAIDRAuGK8BGMcBGLoCGIAEMgcIDhAAGIAE0gEJMTU3NzRqMGo3qAIAsAIA&client=ms-android-samsung-ss&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8
Aircraft and ships always use nautical miles for navigation purposes. https://www.google.com/search?q=nautical+mile&oq=nautical+&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqEAgCEAAYkQIYsQMYgAQYigUyBggAEEUYOTINCAEQABiRAhiABBiKBTIQCAIQABiRAhixAxiABBiKBTINCAMQABiRAhiABBiKBTIMCAQQABhDGIAEGIoFMgoIBRAAGLEDGIAEMhAIBhAuGK8BGMcBGLoCGIAEMhAIBxAuGK8BGMcBGLoCGIAEMgcICBAAGIAEMgcICRAAGIAEMgcIChAAGIAEMgcICxAAGIAEMgcIDBAAGIAEMhAIDRAuGK8BGMcBGLoCGIAEMgcIDhAAGIAE0gEJMTU3NzRqMGo3qAIAsAIA&client=ms-android-samsung-ss&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8
You are aware that those are nautical miles and not statute miles?
Anyway. I just registered onekilometreatatime.com
So all of you are arguing on using metric system.
While you're at it let's decide should it be
metre or meter.
Humour aeroplane blog with arse dialogue from wankers around the world.
As a Us citizen in Australia, I've heard the term "freedom units" if I tried to explain something and used distance or weight. . .My bad as I'm on their turf. . .
Next thing Aussies will want is updates on "Drop Koala" attacks and info on "kangaroo insurance". . . Cmon mate !
In aviation we plan and operate in nautical miles. Have a read into it.
Have you seen the name of the website you are posting this comment at?
You can collect more miles to reach the status. A small bonus for loyal Qantas frequent flyers.
I don't think you get any extra miles it is already a precalculated amount
I think it was a joke ;)
Didn’t MEL have some vicious weather recently?
More proof of the decay of Qantas and Australia.
LOL what? You’re a fool and a lunatic..
The life raft removal hypothesis does not work, this aircraft normally flies SYD/MEL to SIN/Jakarta.
Over at AFF, there is suspicion it’s a broken APU.
Yeah - some rumors semi confirmed by someone at QF were that the APU was inop
Not 100% sure if this is right, but I seem to recall Qantas removing life rafts from a good proportion of its domestic fleet some time ago in order to reduce weight and save fuel burn - wonder if that was a contributing factor to not going overwater via the Great Australian Bight given the circumstances?
But wouldn’t that mean every Qantas A330 flight on that route would take the circuitous journey- not just one instance?
Brisbane does not have a curfew.
It’s not uncommon for Australians to go slightly out of their way to avoid Adelaide….
(I actually really like Adelaide)
The flight never included Adelaide as a destination point, however it appears that the aircraft was very hesitant to even want to go to its destination Melbourne, not an uncommon thing for many Australians.
Very possible the aircraft had an MEL that preceded ETOPS ops (like an inoperable generator or IDG), also possible if the aircraft was fueled for a longer flight and then was swapped to operate this flight they would have to be flight planned as to land below max landing weight (which would explain the quick turn inbound once the crew was satisfied of this).
It had a MEL the precluded ETOPS operations.