Scott Morrison says intelligence received shows Iran shot down Ukrainian passenger plane
Australia’s Prime Minister said he has received intelligence that shows Iran shot down the Ukrainian International Airlines flight that crashed on Wednesday.
Morrison’s comments come after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed he had received intelligence that the jet that crashed in Tehran – killing all on board – was shot down by Iran.
The Boeing 737-800 was travelling from Iran to Ukraine with 176 people on board, including nine crew members, when it crashed within minutes after take-off. Among them were 63 Canadians.
Speaking to the press, Trudeau said Canadian and allied intelligence supports the theory that the plane was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile. He emphasised that it may well have been “unintentional”.
“Our government will continue to work closely with its partners to ensure this crash is thoroughly investigated. Canadians have questions and they deserve answers,” Trudeau said.
The crash came just hours after Iran launched a missile strike targeting two Iraqi military bases housing United States forces, in retaliation for the killing of one of Iran’s top generals, Qassem Soleimani, last week.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed Australia had received the same intelligence as other countries, and told ABC News that “It does not suggest that this was intentional”.
Morrison added that he had spoken to Trudeau about any support Australia could provide. “If there’s anything we can do to assist then of course we will,” he told AM.
Iran denies “illogical rumours”
United States President Donald Trump on Thursday (local time) said he suspected the crash was not due to mechanical issues and indicated “somebody could have made a mistake on the other side”.
The head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization, Ali Abedzadeh, denied what he described as “illogical rumours” that the airliner had been hit by a missile.
“Scientifically, it is impossible that a missile hit the Ukrainian plane, and such rumours are illogical,” Abedzadeh said, as reported by Iranian news agency ISNA.
Speaking to CNN, Abedzadeh said that once the plane took off, it flew for five minutes and “the pilot tried to return to the airport but failed”.
He further questioned how a plane could be hit by “a rocket” and then the pilot, “try to turn back to the airport?”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also announced a “body of information” indicated the flight was shot down, perhaps unintentionally.
Three British citizens were among those killed in the crash of UIA Flight PS752.
“We are working closely with Canada and our international partners and there now needs to be a full, transparent investigation,” Johnson said in a statement.
Iran says it will not send black boxes to Boeing
Amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, Tehran has reportedly indicated it will not hand over flight recorders to the US for investigation, Reuters reported.
Ukrainian aviation experts have arrived in Tehran, and began decoding data from Flight PS752 on Thursday, according to Abedzadeh, as reported by CNN.
But if the available equipment “is not enough to get the content” from the boxes, Iran will outsource them to “the experts from France or Canada”, Abedzadeh said, and not to Boeing.
According to the 1944 Chicago Convention on International Civil Action, the responsibility of investigations is assigned to the countries where aircraft incidences occur.
Iran, therefore, is responsible for overseeing the current investigation, according to the Chicago Convention. However, the country that manufactured the aircraft – the United States – and the country of the airline that operated the plane are also entitled to have representatives involved in the probe.
The Chicago Convention also allows the country responsible for the investigation to let another country take charge of a probe.
The aircraft’s manufacturer, Boeing, said it stands ready to assist in any way needed.
“This is a tragic event and our heartfelt thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and their families,” Boeing tweeted. “We are in contact with our airline customer and stand by them in this difficult time.”
At Ukraine’s Boryspil airport, flowers and candles have reportedly been laid out in front of portraits of the crew killed in the crash.
“I knew them all,” UIA pilot Artem, who laid a bouquet of red roses, told AFP news agency.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
australia boeing canada Flight PS752 iran UIA Iran crash ukraine Ukraine International Airlines united statesLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!