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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.
