Third near-collision at Sydney Airport sparks investigation after Qantas and Virgin Australia planes hit runway at the same time
Australian aviation safety authorities are investigating a third recent runway incident at Sydney Airport after a Qantas aircraft crossed the path of a departing Virgin Australia flight. The event has raised renewed concern over runway safety at one of Australia’s busiest airports, although no collision or injuries were reported.
The incident followed a Jetstar aircraft braking sharply to avoid a Qatar Airways plane being towed on the airfield days earlier. It is also reported to be the third such occurrence in a short period, prompting scrutiny of air traffic control and ground-operation procedures at the airport.
- Authorities are investigating another Sydney Airport runway safety incident.
- A Qantas plane crossed a departing Virgin aircraft’s path.
- It follows two other recent airport near-miss events.
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Sydney Airport is Australia’s busiest airport and handles large numbers of domestic and international flights each day. Its runways, taxiways and aircraft parking areas are coordinated by air traffic controllers, who direct planes in the air and on the ground.
Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar are major Australian airlines, while Qatar Airways is an international carrier. Planes may be taking off, landing, taxiing or being towed around the airport at the same time, so movements must be carefully timed to keep aircraft apart.
Runway incidents can include an aircraft entering or crossing an active runway when another plane is departing or arriving. Australia’s aviation safety authorities investigate such events to establish what happened and whether procedures, equipment or training need to change.