Pilots of 49 flights between Australia and New Zealand were forced to change their paths after receiving a last-minute warning about a Chinese live-fire naval exercise in the Tasman Sea. The incident highlights the risks of geopolitical disruptions and military hazards for airlines.
On February 9, Virgin Australia pilots picked up a Chinese navy broadcast on the emergency radio channel, alerting them to the drill. Airservices Australia immediately issued hazard alerts to nearby aircraft, including Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand flights.
The messages revealed confusion among pilots, dispatchers, and air traffic control as they struggled to understand whether the warning was a hoax or genuine. The Australian Defence Force acknowledged that the Chinese warships were beyond Australia’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone on the high seas.
China has said it provided adequate warning to authorities about the exercise, but Australia and New Zealand have criticized the lack of clear notifications. “It was irresponsible,” Admiral David Johnston, Australia’s defence force chief, told a parliamentary committee.
The incident raises concerns about the need for better communication between airlines, air traffic control, and military authorities. Steve Cornell, a Qantas captain, described the unexpected warning as increasing workload on pilots and air traffic control.
The Chinese warships are now south of Australia and heading west, according to New Zealand’s military. The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/airline-pilots-surprised-by-chinese-live-fire-warning-near-australia-messages-2025-02-28