QF718 MEL Diversion Tonight

[Zac M]

Anyone know why QF718 PER-MEL diverted tonight? Aircraft was XZC and it didn't turn toward MEL until almost ABX, weather here is okay...

[Mick B]

G'day Zac,

I heard this unfold on ML CTR. The forecast of fog at Canberra was brought forward to within 30 mins of QF718s arrival. Can't remember the exact details but with no TTF/METAR* at CBR after hours, it would require a full alternate, which they mustn't have had, hence the diversion.

*TTF/METAR is a much more accurate short term forecast used at major airports. Valid for 3hrs rather than the usual 12/18/24/36 hrs of a normal forecast.