Qantas has delayed a number of flights in recent weeks due to the re-entry of SpaceX rockets over an “extensive area” of the Southern Indian Ocean, the airline confirmed.
Disruption has affected the carrier’s Sydney to Johannesburg route, as Space X rockets re-enter the atmosphere, intersecting with flight paths. The delays have been made following US government advice.
“While we try to make any changes to our schedule in advance, the timing of recent launches has moved around at late notice which has meant we’ve had to delay some flights just prior to departure,” confirmed Ben Holland, head of Qantas’ operations centre.
Holland added that the Australian carrier is in contact with Space X to discuss refining the designated areas and time windows for rocket re-entries, in order to minimise passenger disruption on the route.
Some delays caused by re-entry activity have lasted up to six hours.
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