Virgin Australia VA281 Flight Status
According to Trip.com real-time data, the VA281 flight operated by Virgin Australia on Sep 21, 2026, flying from Melbourne (MEL) to Canberra (CBR), departed at 17:13 and is expected to arrive at 17:59 and land at Canberra Airport (CBR).
Sun, Sep 20
Mon, Sep 21
Tue, Sep 22
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Arrived
The flight has arrived 14m early
1h 5m
Check-in Counter
--
Boarding Gate
2
Arrival Gate
7
Baggage
--
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En route
Your flight has departed Melbourne and is expected to arrive in Canberra at 17:59.
1h 5m
Check-in Counter
--
Boarding Gate
9
Arrival Gate
7
Baggage
--
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Scheduled
Your flight will depart on time.
1h 5m
Check-in Counter
--
Boarding Gate
14
Arrival Gate
7
Baggage
--
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Information provided by VariFlight For real-time updates, please check airport displays or contact your airline.
Track the Previous Flight Status: Scheduled
VA740
|
Gold Coast (OOL) 
Melbourne (MEL)
Melbourne (MEL)Scheduled: 16:30
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VA281 Aircraft Details
According to Trip.com real-time data, the VA281 flight flying from Melbourne to Canberra on 9/21/2026 is operated by the aircraft model Boeing 737-800. This aircraft has been in service for 14y, 7m. The aircraft is equipped with Up to 182 seats.
Boeing 737-800
Punctuality (Departure)
80%
Punctuality (Arrival)
93%
Early on average
1 minute
Age
14y, 7m
Seats
Up to 182
Flight Distance
--
Economy
Business
Premium Economy
In-Flight Services
None
Inflight entertainment is available
Unknown
USB port
Seat Information
79 cm
More legroom than on 24% of flights
43 cm
Seat width
110°
Reclining Angle
3-3
Seat layout example
In-Flight Services
Meal included
Inflight entertainment is available
Unknown
USB port and power outlet
Seat Information
97 cm
More legroom than on 44% of flights
50 cm
Seat width
120°
Reclining Angle
2-2
Seat layout example
In-Flight Services
Meal included
Unknown
Wi-Fi is unavailable
No power outlets are available
Seat Information
86 cm
Legroom
48 cm
Seat width
108°
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 Sun, Sep 20 from MEL at approximately 17:14. This flight is expected to arrrive in CBR at 17:56.
| Date | Airport | Aircraft Model | Departure | Arrival | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departure | Arrival | |||||
| Wed, Sep 16 | Melbourne (MEL) | Canberra (CBR) | B38M | 17:16 | 18:04 | Arrived |
| Thu, Sep 17 | Melbourne (MEL) | Canberra (CBR) | B38M | 17:35 | 18:19 | Arrived |
| Fri, Sep 18 | Melbourne (MEL) | Canberra (CBR) | 738 | 17:36 | 18:18 | Arrived |
| Sat, Sep 19 | Melbourne (MEL) | Canberra (CBR) | 738 | 17:24 | 18:07 | Arrived |
| Sun, Sep 20 | Melbourne (MEL) | Canberra (CBR) | 738 | 17:14 | 17:56 | Arrived |
| Mon, Sep 21 | Melbourne (MEL) | Canberra (CBR) | 738 | 17:13 | 17:59 | En route |
| Tue, Sep 22 | 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 80% (Late on average 18 minutes), and the on-time arrival rate is 93% (Early on average 1 minute).
On-Time Departures
Punctuality
80%
Late on average 18 minutes
Early
0%
On time
80%
30 mins late
17%
60 mins late
3%
90 mins late
0%
Canceled
0%
On-Time Arrivals
Punctuality
93%
Early on average 1 minute
Early
77%
On time
17%
30 mins late
7%
60 mins late
0%
90 mins late
0%
Canceled
0%
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of flight va281?
Flight va281 has departed (status: En route). Departure 17:13, estimated arrival 17:59 (updated Sep 21, 2026).Is flight va281 on time today?
Flight va281 has already departed (status: En route). It took off at 17:13 and is estimated to arrive at 17:59.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 17:13, and the current status is En route (updated Sep 21, 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 17:59. Status is En route as of Sep 21, 2026.What is the gate information for flight va281?
For flight va281, the departure terminal is T3 and the boarding gate is 9. 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 hour5 minutes; operating days may include Monday.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 (En route, updated Sep 21, 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 departed from Melbourne (MEL) at 17:13 (status: En route).What is the seat configuration for flight va281?
Flight va281 usually flies a Boeing 737-800 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
Clear
|
7°C - 23°C
Weather forecast for your arrival day
0 hour time difference
Time on arrival: Melbourne 18:10| Canberra 18:10
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