Virgin Australia VA281 Flight status
According to Trip.com real-time data, the VA281 flight operated by Virgin Australia on Oct 22, 2026 is scheduled to fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Canberra (CBR). The flight is expected to depart at 17:05 and land at 17:50
Wed, Oct 21
Thu, Oct 22
Fri, Oct 23
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Arrived
The flight has arrived 21m late
1h 5m
Check-in Counter
--
Boarding Gate
13
Arrival Gate
7
Baggage
--
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Scheduled
Your flight will depart on time.
1h 5m
Check-in Counter
--
Boarding Gate
1
Arrival Gate
7
Baggage
--
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Virgin Australia From € 82
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Scheduled
Your flight will depart on time.
1h 5m
Check-in Counter
--
Boarding Gate
2
Arrival Gate
7
Baggage
--
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Need a flight from Melbourne to Canberra?
Virgin Australia From € 82
Search flights Information provided by VariFlight. Please refer to airport announcements for the most up-to-date information. You can also explore more flights from Melbourne to Canberra or track other flights with our flight status tracker.
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VA686
|
Perth (PER)
Melbourne (MEL)
Melbourne (MEL)
Scheduled: 15:55
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VA281 Aircraft Details
According to Trip.com real-time data, the VA281 flight flying from Melbourne to Canberra on 10/22/2026 is operated by the aircraft model Boeing 737 MAX 8. This aircraft has been in service for 4m. The aircraft is equipped with 177 seats.
Boeing 737 MAX 8
Punctuality (Departure)
67
%
Punctuality (Arrival)
93
%
Late on average
5 minutes
Age
4m
Seats
177
Flight Distance
--
Economy
Business
Premium Economy
In-Flight Services
None
Inflight entertainment is available
Wi-Fi (additional charge)
USB port
Seat Information
76 cm
More legroom than on 6% of flights
43 cm
Seat width
100°
Reclining Angle
3-3
Seat layout example
In-Flight Services
Meal included
Inflight entertainment is available
Wi-Fi is available
USB port and power outlet
Seat Information
94 cm
Legroom
53 cm
Seat width better than on 44% of flights
120°
Reclining Angle
2-2
Seat layout example
In-Flight Services
None
On-demand entertainment
Wi-Fi is available
USB port and power outlet
Seat Information
86 cm
Legroom
43 cm
Seat width
110°
Reclining Angle
--
Seat layout example
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Flight History for VA281
Trip.com historical records show that the last VA281 flight departed on Wed, Oct 21 from MEL at approximately 17:36. This flight is expected to arrrive in CBR at 18:31.
| Date | Airport | Aircraft Model | Departure | Arrival | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departure | Arrival | |||||
| Sat, Oct 17 | Melbourne (MEL) | Canberra (CBR) | 7M8 | -- | -- | Cancelled |
| Sun, Oct 18 | Melbourne (MEL) | Canberra (CBR) | 737 | 17:16 | 18:05 | Arrived |
| Mon, Oct 19 | Melbourne (MEL) | Canberra (CBR) | 738 | 17:36 | 18:22 | Arrived |
| Tue, Oct 20 | Melbourne (MEL) | Canberra (CBR) | 738 | 17:19 | 18:04 | Arrived |
| Wed, Oct 21 | Melbourne (MEL) | Canberra (CBR) | 738 | 17:36 | 18:31 | Arrived |
| Thu, Oct 22 | Melbourne (MEL) | Canberra (CBR) | B38M | 17:05 | 17:50 | Scheduled |
| Fri, Oct 23 | Melbourne (MEL) | Canberra (CBR) | 738 | 17:05 | 18:10 | Scheduled |
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VA281 On-Time Performance
Based on the average performance of this flight over the past 30 trips, the on-time departure rate of VA281 is 67% (Late on average 24 minutes), and the on-time arrival rate is 93% (Late on average 5 minutes).
On-Time Departures
Punctuality
67
%
Late on average
24 minutes
Early
0
%
On time
67
%
30 mins late
30
%
60 mins late
0
%
90 mins late
3
%
Cancelled
0
%
On-Time Arrivals
Punctuality
93
%
Late on average
5 minutes
Early
53
%
On time
40
%
30 mins late
3
%
60 mins late
0
%
90 mins late
3
%
Cancelled
0
%
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Flight FAQs
What is the current status of flight va281?
Flight va281 has not departed yet and is currently on schedule. Scheduled departure 17:05, arrival 18:10 (updated Oct 22, 2026).Is flight va281 on time today?
Flight va281 has not departed yet and is currently on schedule. Scheduled departure is 17:05, with arrival at 18:10. Recheck gate and timing before you head to the airport.Has flight va281 departed yet? What is the departure time?
Flight va281 is scheduled to depart at 17:05. The latest actual or estimated departure time is 17:05, and the current status is Scheduled (updated Oct 22, 2026).When is flight va281 scheduled to arrive?
Flight va281 is scheduled to arrive at 18:10. The latest estimated or actual arrival time is 17:50. Status is Scheduled as of Oct 22, 2026.What is the gate information for flight va281?
For flight va281, the departure terminal is T3 and the boarding gate is 1. Gate assignments can change at short notice—confirm on airport screens before heading to security.What route does flight va281 fly?
Flight va281 is operated by Virgin Australia from Melbourne (MEL) to Canberra (CBR). Typical flight time is about 1 hour 5 minutes; operating days may include Thursday.How can I check real-time status for flight va281?
Track flight va281 on this Trip.com status page for live departure, arrival, gate and baggage updates. For push alerts on the go, open the same flight in the Trip.com App and turn on flight notifications.If flight va281 is delayed or canceled, what should I do?
If va281 is delayed or canceled, first confirm the latest status here (Scheduled, updated Oct 22, 2026). Contact Virgin Australia or your booking channel for rebooking or refund options, and check Trip.com Manage Booking if you booked on Trip.com.Has flight va281 departed from Melbourne?
Flight va281 has not departed from Melbourne (MEL) yet and is currently on schedule for 17:05.What is the seat configuration for flight va281?
Flight va281 usually flies a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with seat layout 3-3. Layouts can differ by aircraft subtype and cabin product—confirm your seat map in Manage Booking after you purchase.
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Arrival Info: Canberra Weather & Current Time
Cloudy
|
14°C - 21°C
Weather forecast for your arrival day
0 hour time difference
Time on arrival: Melbourne 17:50
|
Canberra 17:50
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