SpaceX rocket debris prompts Australian airline to delay flights
What's the story
Australia's largest airline, Qantas, announced a series of last-minute delays to its South Africa-bound flights.
The disruptions were caused by warnings about potential falling debris from SpaceX rockets re-entering Earth's atmosphere.
Ben Holland, the head of Qantas's operations center, confirmed that these unexpected delays have mostly impacted the Sydney-Johannesburg route over the past few weeks.
Operational challenges
Qantas responds to US government's warnings
Holland revealed the delays were caused due to advice received from the US government, regarding the re-entry of SpaceX rockets over an extensive area of the southern Indian Ocean.
He further explained that while Qantas strives to adjust its schedule in advance, unpredictable changes in launch timings have necessitated these last-minute alterations.
The airline is informed about geographical coordinates and timing of rocket re-entries, but these details can change abruptly, sometimes just before departure.
Collaboration efforts
Qantas seeks SpaceX's assistance to minimize future disruptions
Holland admitted that passengers usually realize these delays are out of the airline's hands, and it's unsafe to fly in the region during rocket re-entry.
He added, "We're in contact with SpaceX to see if they can refine the areas and time windows for the rocket re-entries to minimize future disruption to our passengers on the route."
Wider impact
South African Airways also impacted by SpaceX's operations
The Guardian has learned that South African Airways flights have also been disrupted by SpaceX's activities.
This indicates that the impact of rocket re-entries goes beyond Qantas, affecting other airlines operating in the region as well.
So far, SpaceX has not issued any public statement or comment regarding these flight disruptions caused by their rocket debris.