MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 22 July 2008 AA088/2008 Joint Joint Media Statement The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Stephen Smith MP Minister for Foreign Affairs

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 Contacts Jeff Singleton ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0410 476 890 Courtney Hoogen ( Mr Smith's Office ) 02 6277 7500 / 0488 244 901   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2008/July/AA088_2008.htm