On January 18, 2025, Elon Musk's Starship exploded shortly after its seventh launch, leading to significant chaos and airspace closures in the Caribbean for an hour and a half.

This incident is emblematic of a growing trend where airlines are increasingly facing disruptions due to the rising frequency of rocket launches.

Earlier in January, Qantas Airlines had already reported delays on routes due to SpaceX rocket re-entries over the Indian Ocean, prompting requests for more precise launch schedules from SpaceX.

The recent explosion resulted in multiple flights being diverted or delayed, with four Delta Air Lines flights needing to divert for refueling, and other airlines like JetBlue and Amazon Air also affected by the closed airspace.

In response to the explosion, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) activated a Debris Response Area, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Air traffic controllers expressed significant concerns, with one pilot even declaring a mayday to land in Puerto Rico due to the hazardous conditions.

Experts are increasingly worried about the risks posed by uncontrolled re-entries of large satellites or rockets, which could lead to unpredictable debris fall zones and complicate air traffic safety.

Regulatory discussions are anticipated regarding the financial responsibility for disruptions caused by space debris, as existing international treaties suggest that the launching state may be liable for damages.

As the number of space launches continues to rise, experts warn that the likelihood of similar incidents will increase, placing additional operational stress on the air traffic management system.

Both SpaceX and its competitors, like Blue Origin, are expected to significantly ramp up their launch activities, creating more potential conflicts with commercial air travel.