Qantas flight 691 from Melbourne to Adelaide diverted to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base at Edinburgh in the northern suburbs of Adelaide yesterday, 29 January 2026. The flight departed Melbourne at 17:04 AEDT and attempted to land at Adelaide a little over an hour later.
The pilots of the 737 experienced wind gusts of up to 72km/h (approx. 39 knots) while attempting to land on runway 05. Adelaide Airport consists of 2 runways. The main 05/23 runway is 3100m (10171 feet) long. The 2nd runway, 12/30, is 1652m (5420 feet) long.
The pilots decided to fly to the RAAF Base instead of remaining in a holding pattern so it could take on more fuel. Passengers on board have reportedly stated on social media that a passenger became sick while on the ground at Edinburgh, further delaying the aircraft. An ambulance was called to the base just after 19:00 ACDT.
The aircraft took off at approximately 19:57 ACDT and returned to Adelaide Airport several minutes later, landing on Runway 12. Like most of the country, South Australia has been experiencing a strong heatwave over the past week, with strong winds flaring up yesterday.
RAAF Edinburgh has 2 runways. the main runway is asphalt and numbered 18/36. It is 2560m (8399 feet long). The second runway is numbered 04/22 and is a grass runway, The Air Force base is approximately 26km north of Adelaide Airport. RAAF Edinburgh previous operated AP-3C Orions, but now operates P-8A Poseidons, They have also just received their first MC-55A Peregrine.
Video of QF 691 coming into land at Edinburgh was captured and posted on YouTube by ANZACxLAG while they were driving. The video is shared with their permission.
