SpaceX rockets returning to Earth are causing delays and disruption to flights over the Indian Ocean
CHANDAN KHANNA/Getty Images
- SpaceX rockets coming back to Earth are disrupting flights over the southern Indian Ocean
- Qantas said flights have been delayed up to six hours, while South African Airways is also impacted.
- Australia's flag carrier wants Elon Musk's company to have more precise plans.
A number of flights over the Indian Ocean have been forced to be delayed due to SpaceX rockets coming back to Earth.
Qantas, the Australian flag carrier, is asking Elon Musk's company to be more precise with the areas and timings for such events.
Some of its flights between Sydney and Johannesburg have faced delays of up to six hours, Qantas said.
The Sydney to Johannesburg route passes over the southern Indian Ocean, where the upper stages of several SpaceX rockets have recently splashed down.
"Over the past few weeks we've had to delay several flights between Johannesburg and Sydney due to advice received from the US Government regarding the re-entry of SpaceX rockets over an extensive area of the Southern Indian Ocean," Ben Holland, the head of Qantas' operations center, said in a statement shared with Business Insider.
The Guardian reported that South African Airways has also been impacted by SpaceX activity. South African did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.
Disposable rockets are causing issues
Sebastian Kahnert/Getty Images
While the booster, or first stage, of a Falcon 9 rocket is reusable, the upper stage is disposed of in the ocean.
There have been six Falcon 9 launches so far this year, while in 2024, there were over 100 launches.
Qantas says the timings and location of the re-entries can change last minute, adding to the problem.
"While we try to make any changes to our schedule in advance, the timing of recent launches have moved around at late notice which has meant we've had to delay some flights just prior to departure," Qantas' Ben Holland added.
"Our teams notify customers of changes to their flight as soon as we know it will be impacted."
"Customers generally understand this is outside of airlines' control and that we can't fly in the area when the rocket re-entry is taking place.
Holland added that the airline is in contact with SpaceX in an attempt to find a solution that will minimize disruption for passengers.
SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment.