The recent trend, from a passenger point of view, is that we seem to be doing a lot more waiting on the ground, prior to take-off, than holding in the air, recently. I always fly in on those peak periods. Previously, became accustomed to holding well north, watching other aircraft holding with us, or do the long way around, approaching from the south via Australind
Not uncommon to actually load and shut, then wait for an extended period. Then taxi out (last a/c for the day), and wait , lined up, for last light before actually getting airborne. Or, aircraft lands a bit late, does a VERY quick turnaround and buggers off, when they have obviously been given a favourable slot time, and mean to make it. It does seem to have changed.