The aircraft flying between Australia and New Zealand is diverted as China conducts a closely scrupulous military exercise in nearby waters that may include live fire.
The rare presence of three Chinese naval vessels in the Tasmanian Sea has put both antipodes alert in recent days, with Australia calling it “unusual.”
Australian Airlines Qantas told the BBC that it “temporarily adjusting” the routes of its planes and other carriers did the same.
China said the exercise in international waters is in line with international law.
The ships are reported to be 340 nautical miles east of the coast of Australia's New South Wales, although it is said that at one point they have approached 150 nautical miles from Sydney.
Australia and New Zealand have closely followed the Chinese Navy – frigate, cruiser and supply tanker – from last week and sent their own ships to watch them.
Earlier this week, New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins said China did not inform them that they would send warships to their region and “did not decide to advise us what they were doing in the Tasman Sea”, according to New Zealand Herald.
Meanwhile, Australia Minister of Defense Richard Marles said the presence of ships was “unprecedented, but this is an unusual event.”
The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed on Friday that they were performing naval training and distant exercises.
“The exercises were conducted in a safe, standard and professional manner at any time, in accordance with the relevant international laws and practices,” said spokesman Goo Jiakun.
Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Chinese fleet had reported on Friday that they would start conducting exercises that could include live fire.
“This is an activity that has arisen in the waters, in accordance with international law … There is no immediate risk of danger to any Australian assets or assets of New Zealand,” he said.
But Marles said the Chinese did not directly notify Australian officials when they had signaled.
“What China did was known to intend to join a live fire, and by that I mean a broadcast that was selected by airlines, literally commercial planes flying through Tasman.” He told the Australian radiation corporationAdding that such notifications will usually be given 12 to 24 hours in advance.
On Friday, the Emirates aircraft was informed of the exercise by the Chinese authorities while he was still in the air as he flew from Sydney to Christchurch. BBC is looking for confirmation.
In a statement to the BBC Qantas, he confirmed that he had changed his aircraft routes flying through Tasman Sea and said he was constantly monitoring airspace.
“We continue to work with the Australian Government and the wider industry to watch the situation,” she added.
Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand have been reported to have done the same.
The training comes just days after Australia and China I conducted a defense dialogue In Beijing, where they discussed military transparency and communication, among other things.
The two countries saw several recent strenuous sea meetings.
Earlier this monthKanber said a Chinese fighter had fired flames in front of an Australian military plane while flying over the South China Sea. Beijing said the aircraft “deliberately invaded” into its airspace.
Last year, Australia has accused a Chinese fighter aircraft to drop flames near a helicopter of the Australian Navy, which was part of the UN Security Council mission in the Yellow Sea.
And In November 2023, Canberra has accused the Beijing Navy of using sonar pulses in international waters near Japan, leading to Australian divers suffering injuries.