US Air Force Antarctica flight diverted after Russian missile launch warning

Published Aug 20, 07:10 PM UTC

A U.S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III en route from Christchurch, New Zealand, to Antarctica was forced to turn back after receiving a 'potentially hazardous' space activity warning. The New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) based on a notification from the Russian Air Traffic Management Corporation about a planned missile launch that posed a 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 annual Winter Fly-in (WinFly) period, which delivers supplies and personnel to McMurdo Station and Scott Base in Antarctica ahead of the research season. The CAA noted that the NOTAM did not prohibit flight but allowed operators to make informed decisions. The incident highlights ongoing tensions and operational risks posed by space activities in international airspace.