If this is correct then it would be interesting to here why the crew did not use Adelaide or another Alternate and why they chose Canberra
I can understand EK using Canberra as a technical alternate so to carry less fuel yet many guys operating this flight would be more than happy to make a diversion into Canberra. Ask the 777 guys who diverted into Canberra from Sydney late November if they would do it again and what a stuff up it was getting refueled.
Yes there is scope for the Captain to take another alternate other than Canberra however given the push from management to take min fuel how many guys really know what they are getting them selves in to?Our Route manual does not high light this.
Qantas I understand would not use Canberra as an alternate for the B747 or B767.
Canberra has some unique operational requirements which can and do still catch guys out. The ATSB makes comments on how QF use Canberra as an alternate in this report in regards to A330 operations
from QF Route Manual Supplement
Having experienced delays as well on the Direct Dubai to OZ service it does pay to read up and have a working knowledge of the Long Haul Operational flight time plan else you will leave yourself open to misinterpretation from Dubai given that they really are having trouble crewing some flights.