Air Sustainment Charter Service Delayed in Darwin

A group of 75 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel due to return home from Middle East operations today are expected to be delayed by around 26 hours after the flight returned to Darwin yesterday (Wednesday, 25 April 2012).

The ADF Air Sustainment Charter service departed Darwin yesterday as planned and was subsequently informed of a ‘Notice to Airmen’ (NOTAM) which restricted entry through an area of international airspace regulated by Indian civil aviation authorities. The aircraft then returned to Darwin.

The aircraft did not enter any restricted airspace and at no stage was the safety of the passengers and crew at risk.

The service subsequently departed for the Middle East Area of Operations from Sydney at 8.30 am today.

Any delay in getting Defence people home is regrettable. Defence is working with Adagold to ensure our people get home as quickly and as safely as possible.
Media contact: Defence Media Operations 02 6127 1999