Qantas, the flag carrier airline of Australia, has called on SpaceX to provide greater precision in the timing and locations of its rocket re-entries.
The airline has faced significant disruptions, particularly on its Sydney to Johannesburg route, which crosses the southern Indian Ocean where several SpaceX rocket upper stages have recently splashed down. These incidents have caused flight delays of up to six hours, impacting passengers and operations alike.
Ben Holland, the head of Qantas’ operations center, highlighted the challenges in a statement.
In recent weeks, we’ve experienced delays in several flights between Johannesburg and Sydney. This was due to guidance from the US Government concerning SpaceX rocket re-entries over a broad section of the Southern Indian Ocean,” he explained. Such advisories, frequently provided on short notice, present logistical challenges that necessitate last-minute changes to flight schedules and passenger notifications
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets, renowned for their reusability, jettison their upper stages over the ocean after delivering payloads into orbit.
While this is a routine part of launch operations, the growing frequency of Falcon 9 launches—over 100 in 2024 alone—has amplified the impact on air travel. So far this year, six launches have already taken place, indicating that disruptions may become more common unless mitigated.
South African Airways has also reportedly been affected by SpaceX activities, though the airline has not commented publicly.
For Qantas, the challenge lies in the unpredictability of re-entry timings, which often shift close to launch, leaving little time for airlines to adjust schedules. Despite these difficulties, Qantas reassures passengers that safety remains the priority.
Holland explained, “Most customers recognize that this situation is out of the airlines’ control, and we are unable to fly in the area during a rocket re-entry.”
To address the issue, Qantas is in active discussions with SpaceX, seeking a collaborative solution that minimizes passenger inconvenience and operational disruptions. By coordinating more effectively, both parties hope to strike a balance between space exploration and air travel.