- More than four hundred passengers spent two nights stranded in Johannesburg due to Qantas flight QF64 mechanical issues.
- Travelers are demanding stronger passenger rights and compensation for lost wages, similar to European Union regulations.
- The delay lasted fifty hours after a spare part from Dubai was required for the Airbus A380-800.
More than 400 Qantas passengers spent two nights stranded in Johannesburg after flight QF64, an Airbus A380, failed to depart for Sydney on schedule. Travelers are seeking payment beyond a fare refund for missed work, expenses and the disruption.
The flight had been due to leave at 6:45 PM on August 10, 2026. A mechanical problem appeared shortly after the aircraft left the gate, extending the delay to nearly 50 hours.
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Qantas later offered a refund for the Johannesburg-to-Sydney segment and an Uber voucher for the trip home. The aircraft, an Airbus A380-800 registered as VH-OQB, remained in South Africa for maintenance.
The flight eventually departed late on August 12. Passengers reached Sydney on August 13/14, 2026.
One traveler said the airline’s explanation and initial offer did not match the consequences of the delay.
“We understand that safety is paramount, but the nearly 50-hour delay has been met with minimal explanation and an offer that fails to reflect the extent of the disruption, expenses, and distress experienced.”
Another passenger called for Australian rules to provide a payment system similar to Europe’s. The traveler also pointed to costs that a refund would not address.
“Regulations need to be revised to provide compensation for stranded customers, similar to the EU,”
The passenger added: “The costs associated with taking unpaid leave from work and missing vital meetings won't be covered by a flight refund.”
Qantas replaced its first offer with a refund and an Uber voucher
Qantas initially presented two options on August 10: 20,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points or a $200 customer care voucher for non-members. The airline later sent another message to the affected travelers.
The revised message offered to refund the Johannesburg-to-Sydney segment and provide an Uber voucher for the journey home. It did not turn the disruption into a guaranteed cash payment for lost wages or missed meetings.
The passengers’ compensation demand extends beyond the flight segment. Their complaints include unclear updates, expenses incurred during the wait and the effect on work commitments.
Australia does not have a guaranteed compensation system for disrupted flights. The federal government had planned earlier this year to revamp airline passenger rights, but the existing system does not provide the fixed payment sought by these travelers.
European Union rules can provide up to 600 euros ($980) for passengers delayed by mechanical issues. The Johannesburg travelers cited that system while pressing for a broader response.
A spare part from Dubai kept the A380 on the ground
The aircraft developed its mechanical issue shortly after leaving the gate. Qantas arranged for a critical spare part to travel from Dubai to Johannesburg.
Johannesburg is not a major A380 maintenance hub. Additional work followed the part’s arrival so the aircraft could meet safety requirements.
| Flight detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flight | QF64 |
| Route | Johannesburg to Sydney |
| Aircraft | Airbus A380-800 |
| Registration | VH-OQB |
| Scheduled departure | 6:45 PM on August 10, 2026 |
| Delay | Approximately 50 hours across two nights |
| Passengers affected | More than 400 |
| Spare part origin | Dubai |
The A380 remained on the tarmac in Johannesburg for further testing. Qantas said the aircraft was being maintained in South Africa.
A Qantas spokesperson apologized for the extended delay and said the airline moved customers once the aircraft was safe to fly.
“We know flight disruptions are frustrating and we sincerely apologise to our customers for their extended delay in Johannesburg. Our team worked to get these customers to their destination as quickly as possible once the aircraft was safe to fly.”
Qantas has only 10 A380s as maintenance problems spread across the fleet
Qantas operates 10 Airbus A380s. During 2026, the fleet faced what the research describes as “unscheduled maintenance events,” including engine replacements in London and wing slat issues in Los Angeles.
Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International, previously described the A380’s role on the Johannesburg route as a “high-capacity backbone.” The Johannesburg grounding showed how a problem with one aircraft can leave hundreds of travelers waiting on a long-haul route.
The original aircraft remained in South Africa after the passengers continued to Sydney. Testing and maintenance were still underway.
The airline’s revised response addressed the unused Johannesburg-to-Sydney segment and the trip home by Uber voucher. The passengers’ requests for payment tied to missed work and other disruption remain separate from those offers.
