A live-fire exercise conducted by a Chinese navy flotilla off the Australian coast led to the diversion of dozens of flights. The exercise came to public attention when a Virgin Australia pilot notified air traffic control about a broadcast from the Chinese navy vessels. As a precaution, Airservices Australia issued a hazard alert that affected 49 flights, including some already airborne. The incident underscores the challenges air traffic safety faces amid international military activities.
Authorities were unaware of the exercise until a pilot raised the alarm on Friday. Rob Sharp, the CEO of Airservices Australia, stated, "It was, in fact, a Virgin Australia aircraft that advised one of our air traffic controllers..."
Twenty minutes after the Virgin pilot's warning, an Emirates aircraft also made contact with the Chinese flotilla. It heard the radio broadcast advising that live firing was taking place...
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