Emirates flight reroutes after Chinese navy's live-fire drill warning in Tasman Sea
Pilots received sudden warnings of military activity in international waters
DUBAI: Several airlines, including Qantas, Emirates, and Air New Zealand, modified their flight paths between Australia and New Zealand on Friday after China announced live-fire naval exercises off the coast of New South Wales in international waters, according to Reuters.
The announcement, which was broadcast by Chinese authorities, led to immediate safety assessments by aviation regulators, prompting airlines to adjust their routes to avoid potential risks.
Emirates flight EK448 alters course
Emirates flight EK448, traveling from Dubai to Auckland, was among the flights affected. The aircraft had to reroute its path in response to the military exercise notification, ensuring passenger safety. While the detour resulted in minimal disruption, the sudden nature of the alert has raised concerns over short-notice warnings given to civilian aircraft.
Flight tracking data confirms that EK448 deviated slightly from its usual route, though Emirates has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. Aviation authorities in Australia and New Zealand emphasized that safety remained a top priority throughout the adjustments.
Concerns over military drills and air safety
New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed that airlines were informed in accordance with standard safety protocols. However, some aviation experts argue that more advance notice from military authorities is necessary to prevent last-minute disruptions.
Reports indicate that the Chinese navy deployed a floating target in the Tasman Sea as part of its exercises. Although there have been no confirmed reports of live fire, defense analysts emphasize the need for better coordination between military forces and civilian aviation authorities to mitigate risks.
China, for its part, maintains that its naval drills comply with international law and are conducted in designated zones to avoid unnecessary interference with commercial activities. However, the incident has sparked broader discussions on how military exercises in international waters affect global air travel and aviation safety.