Date: 202009
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: VMC
Aircraft: A319
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Final Approach
Airspace: Class C ZZZ
ATC / advisory: Tower ZZZ
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Pilot Flying; First Officer
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Human factors: Situational Awareness
Second reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; Captain
Anomaly: Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Detector: Person Air Traffic Control
Result: Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew FLC Overrode Automation
Contributing factors: Human Factors; Aircraft
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: We had originally planned an ILS approach to RWY XX; but upon contacting Approach learned ZZZ was landing RWY XY. I rebriefed the VOR XY approach; noting the roughly 30 degree offset from the runway centerline. After being cleared out of FL240 at ZZZZZ for 3;000 [feet]; I engaged full speed brakes and disengaged autopilot to facilitate a more rapid descent. Approach put us on a vector after ZZZZZ1 to enable our continued descent; before eventually turning us to downwind. They attempted to clear us for a visual approach; but we requested the VOR approach due to unfamiliarity with ZZZ. Approach cleared us to an intercept heading and cleared us for the approach. In vicinity of ZZZZZ2 and 2;100 MSL; I engaged the APPROACH mode; received the brick; the stick; and two FMAs (which quickly resolved to FINAL APP). I had the VOR on the NAV display; while the Captain maintained the map view. The glide slope immediately directed a descent to stay on glide path; consistent with being inside ZZZZZ2. At approximately 1;300 MSL; ZZZ Tower notified us they showed us well below the glide path. I leveled off; directed the Captain to disengage; then reengage the APPROACH mode; and the system resolved to FINAL APP again; but showed us low. We continued on; but had difficulty in acquiring the field due to airfield lighting blending into cultural lighting. I leveled off; directed the Captain to ask the airport to increase lighting intensity; and we quickly picked up the field. I lined up on centerline and we landed uneventfully.


Second narrative: It was night; slightly overcast and an unfamiliar airport so we thoroughly briefed the arrival and approach (VOR XX). We were being vectored around the area to loose altitude. While being vectored; we were attempting to acquire visual contact with the airport. We were unable to confirm visual contact. We eventually accepted vectors to intercept the VOR XX at ZZZZZ; which was published at 2;100 ft. We intercepted the lateral and vertical path at 2;100 ft. and Approach said we were low. After recycling our APPR (approach switch); our guidance had us on the correct profile and we had acquired visual contact with Runway XX. We continued the approach to an uneventful landing on Runway XX.


Synopsis: Flight Crew reported last minute runway change on a requested VOR approach and low on FAF due to lack of familiarity with airport.