Beware Of Chinese Navy: Australia Warned Airlines

On Friday, Australia issued a warning to airlines flying between its shores and New Zealand, alerting them to the presence of Chinese warships engaged in a live-fire exercise in the Tasman Sea. Foreign Minister Penny Wong highlighted the significance of this alert as three Chinese vessels conducted military drills off the east coast of Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that China had officially notified the Australian government that the warships could be firing live weapons during these exercises. However, he reassured the public, stating, “There was no imminent risk of danger to any Australian assets or New Zealand assets."

In response to the situation, Air New Zealand, the nation's flagship carrier, announced it had “modified flight paths as needed to avoid the area, with no impact on our operations."

Captain Steve Cornell, Vice President of the Australian and International Pilots Association, emphasized the challenges pilots frequently face in navigating airspace. He said, “Whilst it was unusual to have Chinese warships in this part of the world, pilots often have to contend with obstacles to safe navigation, whether that be from military exercises such as this or other events like rocket launches, space debris, or volcanic eruptions."