US C-17 returns to New Zealand after Russian missile launch warning

Published Aug 20, 07:10 PM UTC

A U.S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III en route to Antarctica from Christchurch, New Zealand, turned back on August 20, 2026, after receiving a 'potentially hazardous' space activity notice. New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) following notification from the Russian Air Traffic Management Corporation of a planned missile launch that posed a potential hazard to international airspace within New Zealand's Oceanic Flight Information Region. The aircraft, call sign ICE28, departed Christchurch at 9 a.m. local time and returned by 11:30 a.m. The flight was part of the U.S. Air Force's annual Winter Fly-in (WinFly) period, which delivers teams and cargo to McMurdo Station and Scott Base in Antarctica ahead of the research season. The CAA noted that the NOTAM did not prevent flight but allowed operators to make informed decisions. The U.S. Pacific Air Forces confirmed the flight was a routine resupply mission.