‘Not enough air traffic controllers’: safety concerns at Sydney airport after Jetstar and Qatar planes involved in near-miss

Sydney Airport, Australia's busiest, experienced a near-miss incident on Sunday morning when a Jetstar and a Qatar Airways plane came into close proximity on the tarmac, raising serious safety concerns exacerbated by ongoing staff shortages.

The incident occurred around 7 a.m. when the Jetstar flight JQ402 was taxiing for its planned flight to the Gold Coast. Pilots were forced to brake abruptly when the Qatar Airways Boeing 777, being towed by a tug vehicle, entered the taxiway the Jetstar plane was using. Sources suggest the tug vehicle may not have followed air traffic control instructions.

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We have commenced an investigation into the incident.

While no passengers were injured, a cabin crew member aboard the Jetstar A320 sustained injuries and required medical attention at the scene. The Jetstar flight was subsequently canceled, with passengers rebooked on later services. The connection between the Qatar Airways plane's nose gear and the tug vehicle also sustained damage.

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As reported to the ATSB, a Jetstar A320 was taxiing prior to a planned flight to Gold Coast airport when its flight crew observed a Qatar Airways Boeing 777, under tow from an aircraft tug, in close proximity on a crossing taxiway.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into the "near collision." Airservices Australia, responsible for air traffic control, confirmed it is working to manage demand and minimize travel disruptions while assisting the investigation. The incident follows a day of significant delays at Sydney Airport, with over 150 flights affected on Saturday due to staffing shortages.

Stephen Beckett, chief executive of Airlines for Australia and New Zealand, stated that Airservices Australia has struggled to roster sufficient staff for three consecutive days. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns expressed concern over the safety risks and the airport's operational capacity, emphasizing its economic importance. He indicated the government is hopeful a plan is in place to recruit more air traffic controllers to address the persistent staffing issues.

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Not just the safety risks but we want to make sure the airport is operating at full capacity.