Qantas faces delays due to SpaceX rocket debris over Indian Ocean

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.