Australia learned about Chinese live-fire naval drills off the country’s coast that forced dozens of flights to be diverted via an alert from a commercial pilot, authorities said on Monday.

Chinese naval drills in international waters between Australia and New Zealand caused dozens of flight diversions.

CANBERRA – Australia was unaware Chinese warships were set to conduct live fire exercises off its east coast until its security authorities were alerted via a Virgin Australia pilot who heard radio communications about the drills, according to a top air traffic official.