'Near collision' at Sydney Airport injures crew member, triggers investigation

Safety regulators are investigating a "near collision" at Sydney Airport after a Jetstar aircraft was forced into a sudden, hard braking maneuver to avoid a Qatar Airways jet being towed across a taxiway. The incident disrupted operations and caused delays at Australia's busiest airport.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) confirmed that a Jetstar Airbus A320, preparing for a flight to the Gold Coast, observed the Qatar Airways Boeing 777, under tow by an aircraft tug, in close proximity on a crossing taxiway. As both aircraft stopped abruptly, a cabin crew member aboard the Jetstar A320 sustained injuries. There was also reported damage to the connection between the Qatar Airways jet's nose gear and the tug.

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A cabin crew member aboard the [Jetstar] A320 was injured, and there was damage to the connection between the 777 nose gear and aircraft tug.

Investigators are currently gathering data from both aircraft, air traffic control recordings, and interviewing crew members from the Jetstar flight and the tug operators. Early reports suggest the tug may not have followed air traffic control instructions. Airservices Australia confirmed that flights at Sydney Airport are experiencing delays following the incident. A Jetstar spokeswoman stated their aircraft was following ATC instructions when the pilots had to brake firmly due to the close proximity of another aircraft.

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Our aircraft was following instructions by Air Traffic Control when the pilots were forced to brake firmly after another aircraft came in close proximity.