In newly obtained audio recordings, Australian air traffic controllers and pilots can be heard reacting to a Virgin Australia pilot’s alert about live-fire naval drills being conducted by China in the Tasman Sea earlier this year. The recordings, acquired by 9News through freedom of information legislation, reveal the moment when the pilot informed air traffic control of the drills, before any Australian authorities had knowledge of them.
During the February incident, the Virgin pilot raised the alarm, asking, “We just had a warning from a Chinese naval taskforce that they’re doing a live firing exercise… is anyone aware of that?” Air traffic controllers confirmed they had not been notified of the drills and inquired about the altitude at which the Chinese forces would be firing. The pilot responded that only a 10-mile radius was specified as the danger zone, indicating uncertainty about the specifics.
A light-hearted exchange followed, with the pilot joking, “So if we go missing, you’ll know what happened, hey?” to which the controller chuckled, replying, “Good luck.” While the Virgin Australia flight remained outside the danger zone, an Emirates flight was closer to the Chinese flotilla and required warnings from air traffic control. The controller stated, “The information I’ve received: a Chinese warship is… commencing live firing,” indicating the urgency of the situation.
Following this communication, the Emirates flight was redirected to avoid the flotilla, as were 48 other flights which had to alter their routes due to the military exercises. A Qantas pilot also raised concerns about the height of the missiles being fired, to which air traffic control could not provide an answer. However, it was later confirmed that the Chinese vessels would be launching missiles up to an altitude of 15 kilometres—exceeding the typical cruising altitude of commercial aircraft.
As the drills were conducted in international waters between Australia and New Zealand, China was not legally required to notify either country. Nevertheless, the Australian federal government has sought assurances from Beijing for better communication regarding future military exercises. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted that while China’s actions fell within international law, concerns were expressed over the notification process surrounding such live-fire exercises.
The recordings not only highlight the immediate responses and procedures followed during the incident but also underscore the broader implications for Australian airspace and the need for enhanced dialogue with international actors regarding military activities in the region.