Airline crew on Cathay Pacific passenger jet report spotting North Korean missile re-entering Earth's atmosphere
'At the moment, no one is changing any routes or operating parameters'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Crew members aboard a passenger jet have claimed they saw a North Korean ballistic missile re-entering Earth’s atmosphere during the repressive state’s latest test firing.
Staff on a Cathay Pacific flight said they observed “what is suspected to be the re-entry” of the projectile over Japan last Wednesday.
The Hong Kong carrier said “the flight was far from the event location,” however, and it was not planning to change its routes.
In a statement to The Independent, it added: “We have been in contact with relevant authorities and industry bodies as well as with other carriers.
“At the moment, no one is changing any routes or operating parameters.
“We remain alert and review the situation as it evolves.”
Pyongyang was believed to have tested a new, more advanced intercontinental ballistic missile in last week’s launch, the Hwasong-15.
Its lofted trajectory took it up to 2,800 miles into space, 10 times further from Earth than the International Space Station.
Following the launch, South Korea and the United States launched large-scale joint aerial drills on Monday.
The annual “Vigilant Ace” exercise will run all week and will include F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters.
It has been condemned as provocative by the North, which views such drills as practice for war.
The reported sighting of the Hwasong re-entry vehicle by staff on board flight CX893 from San Francisco to Hong Kong would not be the first observation of a space launch from a commercial airliner.
Last year Ryan Kennedy tweeted an image of a rocket launch while flying over Florida, and in 2011 Stefanie Gordon captured the Space Shuttle Endeavour streaking above the clouds on its way to orbit.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments