The Australian Antarctic Division's entire summer schedule has been thrown into chaos.

The icebreaker, Aurora Australis, failed to complete any of its scheduled tasks because it was diverted to help rescue an injured Tasmanian.

Tasmanian chef Dwyane Rooke is recovering in Melbourne after being injured in a quad bike accident in Antarctica last month.

The Aurora Australis was diverted to Davis Station to help Mr Rooke.

Crews on board the icebreaker were not able to land on Casey Station to clear the runway for summer flights.

The Australian Antarctic Division's director, Tony Press, says at least six flights have been cancelled and a large marine research program has been called off.

"It means that our scheduled first flight has now been delayed by over a month," he said.

It has left 19 winter expeditioners stranded at Casey Station who will now spend another Christmas away from home.

The delays are expected to cost more than $1 million.