Qantas flights faced significant disruptions over Christmas, leaving passengers stranded or rerouted. Two incidents, including the QF63 diversion and delays on US-Australia routes, frustrated travellers and sparked reactions online.
Qantas Flight QF63 Diverted Mid-Air
On Christmas Day, Qantas flight QF63, travelling from Sydney to Johannesburg, turned back after a mechanical issue. The Airbus A380, carrying up to 485 passengers, flew over Antarctica before returning to Sydney.
The flight departed Sydney at 10 am, heading to South Africa’s Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport. Four hours into the journey, pilots diverted the plane back to Sydney. A Qantas spokesperson explained, “The pilots followed normal procedures and returned to Sydney for the aircraft to be checked by engineers.”
The plane landed safely at Sydney by 7:30 pm. Emergency services met the aircraft as a precaution, but their assistance was unnecessary. The spokesperson clarified, “It was not an emergency landing, but the flight crew had requested a priority landing at Sydney Airport.”
Passengers received accommodation, transfers, and meal vouchers. They were rebooked on a 7 am flight to Johannesburg the next day. “We want to thank them for their patience and understanding,” the airline added.
FlightRadar data shows QF63 is among the world’s most southern routes, often flying near Antarctica. The A380 involved, registered as VH-OQG, had recently flown from Johannesburg to Sydney.
Also Read: Nationwide Ground Stop Affects American Airlines on Christmas Eve
US-Australia Qantas Flights Face Severe Delays
Days before Christmas, Qantas flights between Los Angeles and Melbourne also faced disruptions. Passengers booked on QF94 from Los Angeles experienced repeated cancellations and delays.
Perth-based sports podcaster Will Schofield reported a six-hour delay before the plane was grounded on December 22. “The flight was rescheduled for the following day. However, about 30 minutes prior to departure, Qantas once again cancelled the flight citing the same engineering issue,” he said.
Schofield added, “Qantas knew it wasn’t going to fly. Texted passengers saying there was a 90-minute delay about four hours before. None of the crew came to the gate.”
The airline attributed the issue to a hydraulic failure with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. A replacement aircraft had to be deployed, causing further delays. The spokesperson apologised, stating, “We want to sincerely apologise to all customers impacted by the significant delay to our Los Angeles to Melbourne flight. We understand how disappointing and frustrating this experience would have been, particularly for those who are missing Christmas Day with their loved ones.”
Passengers Face Holiday Chaos
Both incidents left hundreds of Qantas passengers stranded or delayed during the festive season. In the US, travellers missed Christmas celebrations with loved ones. Passengers onboard QF63 spent their Christmas Day entirely on the aircraft.
One passenger described their disappointment, saying, “The entire plane load of people missed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and spent it in the US rather than Melbourne.”
Qantas A380 Operations Highlighted
The Qantas A380 fleet supports long-haul routes connecting Australia to destinations worldwide. The airline operates the Airbus A380 on routes including Sydney to Johannesburg and Los Angeles to Sydney.
Commenting on the Johannesburg service, Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said, “We are seeing strong demand for our Johannesburg services and, by upgrading to the Superjumbo, we will nearly double capacity during peak periods, adding over 130,000 seats per year between the continents.”
Despite its reliability, the A380 on QF63 experienced unexpected challenges this Christmas. The aircraft, aged 15.4 years, had clocked over 51,000 flight hours and 4,500 flight cycles by September 2024.
Qantas Responds Amid Criticism
These incidents have drawn criticism online, with passengers expressing frustration over poor communication and extended delays. Qantas issued public apologies and ensured passengers received compensation, accommodations, and rebooking support.
The airline’s commitment to passenger safety and operational transparency remains firm, despite the holiday chaos. Their swift response ensured minimal disruption for affected travellers, reinforcing Qantas’ standing as a trusted carrier.
Conclusion
Qantas flights QF63 and QF94 faced significant challenges over Christmas, stranding passengers and disrupting plans. Mechanical issues led to delays, cancellations, and diversions. Despite the inconveniences, Qantas prioritised passenger safety and accommodated disrupted travellers. These events highlight the complexities of maintaining operational efficiency during peak travel seasons.
