'Near collision' at Sydney Airport triggers investigation

Australian safety regulators have launched an investigation into a startling "near collision" incident at Sydney Airport on Sunday, August 9, which resulted in an injured crew member and disrupted operations. The incident occurred when a Jetstar Airbus A320, preparing for a flight to the Gold Coast, was taxiing and its crew observed a Qatar Airways Boeing 777, being towed by an aircraft tug, in close proximity on a crossing taxiway.

The Jetstar pilot was compelled to apply sudden brakes to avert a crash. This abrupt stop caused a cabin crew member aboard the Jetstar A320 to sustain injuries. Additionally, damage was reported to the connection between the Qatar Airways 777's nose gear and the aircraft tug. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is now actively collecting data from both aircraft, air traffic control, and interviewing all relevant personnel, including crew and tug operators, to ascertain the cause of the near miss.

Airservices Australia confirmed that flights at Sydney Airport experienced delays following the incident. A Jetstar spokeswoman stated that their aircraft was following Air Traffic Control instructions when the pilots had to brake sharply due to the proximity of the other aircraft. Paramedics treated the injured Jetstar crew member at the scene. Qatar Airways had not immediately responded to a request for comment at the time of reporting. Early information from an unofficial source suggested the tug towing the Qatar plane might not have adhered to air traffic control instructions.

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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.