Qantas Flights Delayed by SpaceX Rocket Debris Over Indian Ocean
Qantas flights between Sydney and Johannesburg are experiencing delays due to warnings about SpaceX rocket debris reentering the atmosphere. The airline is coordinating with SpaceX to minimize disruptions while passengers remain understanding of the situation.
Flights between Sydney and Johannesburg operated by Qantas have faced delays due to warnings of potential risks from SpaceX rocket debris reentering the atmosphere over the southern Indian Ocean, according to a report by The Guardian in London.
Ben Holland, head of Qantas’ operations center, explained to the British newspaper that these disruptions occur with little notice because the coordinates and exact timing of reentries can change at the last minute. “In recent weeks, we’ve had to delay several flights between Johannesburg and Sydney due to alerts from the U.S. government regarding SpaceX rocket reentries in an extensive area of the southern Indian Ocean,” Holland stated.
SpaceX selected this reentry area for its remoteness, but frequent adjustments to launch schedules have affected airline operations. “Although we try to adjust our schedules in advance, recent launches have been rescheduled, forcing last-minute flight delays,” added the Qantas official.
There are only three regular flights crossing the southern Indian Ocean: Air Mauritius’ flight between Perth and Mauritius (three times a week with A330neo aircraft), Qantas’ flight between Sydney and Johannesburg (six times a week with A380 aircraft), and South African Airways’ flight between Perth and Johannesburg (five times a week with A340-300 aircraft).
This FlightRadar24 analysis highlights how this region is one of the least trafficked by regular flights, comparable only to routes linking Africa with South America, and South America with Oceania.
Additionally, a graphic illustrates the regularly operated routes crossing the southern Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Impact on passengers
Qantas states that it informs passengers immediately upon receiving warnings of potential impacts on its flights. According to Holland, “Customers generally understand that this situation is beyond the airlines’ control and that flying in the area during rocket reentries is not possible.”
The Australian airline is working with SpaceX to evaluate adjustments to reentry areas and timing to reduce disruptions in the future.
Furthermore, The Guardian reports that South African Airways flights have also been affected by SpaceX operations, though no additional details were provided.
SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has not commented on the delays at this time.
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