Qantas Delays Flights Over SpaceX Rocket Re-Entry Risk

Australian airline Qantas has delayed multiple flights on its Sydney-Johannesburg route due to the re-entry of SpaceX rockets over the southern Indian Ocean. Following advice from the U.S. government, the airline has implemented delays of up to six hours in recent weeks.

The disruptions stem from last-minute changes in coordinates and timing of rocket re-entry, making it challenging for Qantas to adjust schedules in advance. Ben Holland, head of Qantas’s operations center, stated, “While we try to make any changes to our schedule in advance, the timing of recent launches has moved around at late notice, causing delays just prior to departure.”

Holland also confirmed that Qantas is actively communicating with SpaceX to refine the re-entry zones and timeframes to reduce future disruptions. The airline is committed to minimizing inconvenience to passengers while ensuring safety during these rocket re-entry events.

SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, has been conducting regular rocket launches and re-entries as part of its space exploration and satellite deployment missions. The southern Indian Ocean serves as a designated re-entry zone, which occasionally overlaps with flight paths, necessitating precautionary measures by airlines.

Qantas continues to prioritize passenger safety and operational efficiency as it works with SpaceX to address the issue and avoid further flight disruptions.

Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=Qantas

Sources: AirGuide Business, airguide.info, bing.com