Chilling audio recordings have revealed the tense moments before a Virgin Australia pilot became aware of Chinese warships conducting live-fire exercises off Australia’s east coast. The cockpit audio, obtained through Freedom of Information laws, captured the pilot’s realization of the imminent danger as they flew past the area on February 21.
The audio recording, obtained by 9News, highlights the pilot’s shock upon learning that the Chinese naval task force was preparing to open fire in the Tasman Sea without prior warning to Australian authorities. It was the pilot who promptly alerted Air Traffic Control (ATC) about the ongoing live firing exercise after receiving a warning directly from the Chinese navy.
During the conversation with ATC, the pilot shared the Chinese navy’s advisory and expressed concern about the proximity of the firing zone. Despite the seriousness of the situation, there was a brief moment of humor exchanged between the pilot and ATC before official warnings were issued to other aircraft in the vicinity.
Fortunately, the Virgin Australia plane remained outside the danger zone, while an Emirates flight had to be redirected to avoid flying over the Chinese warship. This incident led to the alteration of flight paths for a total of 49 planes due to the military drills.
In a separate exchange, a Qantas flight also faced the unsettling situation, with the pilot seeking information on the missiles’ expected altitude. While specifics were unclear, the Emirates pilot gathered that the Chinese warship was firing at altitudes exceeding typical commercial flight levels.
The Australian government has since sought assurances from China regarding future exercises to prevent similar incidents. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed these concerns with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a recent meeting. Despite China’s assertions of compliance with international law, Australia has emphasized the importance of proper communication and transparency in such situations.
In response to the incident, China defended its actions, stating that they adhered to international laws and practices without compromising aviation safety. However, Australia’s reaction prompted a strong rebuttal from China, expressing surprise and dissatisfaction with the allegations raised.
Throughout this ordeal, the dialogue between nations underscores the significance of clear communication and adherence to international protocols to prevent misunderstandings and ensure the safety of all parties involved.
