Media release

Joint media release with
The Hon Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

22 July 2008

Air Zimbabwe Flights

Reports this morning that Air Zimbabwe flights travel through Australian air space are incorrect.

Air Zimbabwe flights between Harare and China via Singapore do not fly through airspace over Australian territory, but through international airspace managed by Airservices Australia on behalf of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

The role of Airservices Australia is to simply ensure that flights pass through this airspace safely.

Under the Chicago Convention – which came into effect in 1947 – international airspace is open to all civil planes.

Australia has no general jurisdiction to prevent flights over international airspace.

Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555