Pilots flying between Australia and New Zealand were surprised by a Chinese live-fire naval exercise when already in the air, causing some flights to change paths. The incident highlights the increasing need for airlines to react to geopolitical disruptions and military hazards. The Chinese military's drills in the Tasman Sea are raising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. The incident resulted in 49 flights being affected and has drawn attention to the need for better communication and notification protocols for military exercises.