Qantas faces delays due to SpaceX rocket debris over Indian Ocean

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Qantas faces delays due to SpaceX rocket debris over Indian Ocean

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Airbus A380 | Airbus

By Sky Industry News

Jan 14, 2025

Qantas has announced delays in its Airbus A380 flights between Sydney and Johannesburg due to last-minute changes in information about SpaceX rocket debris re-entries. Ben Holland, head of Qantas's operations center, explained that SpaceX has been providing late notices regarding the location of falling rocket debris over the Southern Indian Ocean, which affects the flight path between Sydney Airport and Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Holland stated that despite efforts to adjust schedules, recent SpaceX launches have shifted with little warning, forcing Qantas to delay flights. The airline is in communication with SpaceX to refine re-entry areas and time windows to reduce disruptions.

"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," said Holland.

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Qantas operates flight QF63/QF64 on this route using an Airbus A380 since October 2024. Flightradar24 data shows only three on-time departures from Sydney so far in 2025. Previously, a Boeing 787-9 was used for up to six weekly flights on this route.

Flight QF63's scheduled departure from Sydney is at 9:30 local time but has faced delays ranging from 10:23 to 12:14 recently. Similarly, QF64's departure from Johannesburg has varied significantly from its scheduled time of 17:15.

Other airlines operating across the Southern Indian Ocean have also experienced delays. South African Airways' flight SA280 was canceled on January 12 but departed later than scheduled on January 13. Air Mauritius's flight MK440 has had minor delays, while its return flight MK441 has remained relatively punctual.

On December 25, QF63 encountered a mechanical issue leading to a return to Sydney after five hours in the air. The aircraft resumed service the next day for a different route.