This was still worse than long-term averages of around 82 per cent for on-time flights, however. Cancellations on popular routes such as Canberra-Sydney and Melbourne-Sydney, and the same in reverse, still exceeded one out of every 14 flights.
“We apologise to anyone impacted by delayed or cancelled services and we continue to work hard to ensure our guests reach their destinations,” a Virgin spokesperson said.“We continue to communicate with guests whose flights are disrupted and ensure they are accommodated on the next available services.”
But Peter McGuane, executive secretary for Civil Air, the union that represents air traffic controllers and support staff, said last week’s delays had been caused by staffing shortfalls and an overreliance on overtime. Transport Workers Union Michael Kaine said the aviation industry remained ill-equipped to deal with commonplace issues like strong winds and winter illnesses.