Australia’s airport is under scrutiny after two near-collision incidents in recent weeks prompted investigations and raised questions about air traffic control staffing.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched investigations into recent incidents at Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport. ATSB Chief Angus Mitchell described one incident as, although occurring at low speed, potentially very dangerous.
In the most recent incident, a Jetstar aircraft and a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 were involved in a near-collision while taxiing on a Sunday morning. The Jetstar pilot had to brake abruptly to avoid a collision, and a crew member was injured, though no passengers were harmed.
2 incidents
Near-collisions at Sydney airport within two weeks
An air traffic controller and a ground staff member involved in the weekend incident have been suspended from duty. Additionally, Rob Sharp, the head of state-owned air services provider Airservices Australia, had to explain the situation to Australian Transport Minister Catherine King.
A similar near-collision occurred in late July, when two aircraft crews received conflicting instructions from air traffic controllers. This was the second such incident within a two-week period.
Airservices Australia has been struggling with a shortage of air traffic controllers for years. Staff shortages have led to numerous flight delays and required a reduction in the number of take-offs and landings to maintain safety.
Avoiding catastrophe must always take priority, even if it frustrates thousands of passengers.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns warned that airport issues could long-term damage Sydney’s international reputation as an economic hub and tourist destination. He stated that avoiding catastrophe must always take priority, even if it frustrates thousands of passengers.
Updates
A third near-collision occurred at Sydney Airport between Virgin Australia flight VA555 and Qantas flight QF728, both Boeing 737s, with the Qantas crew reporting they received runway clearance from air traffic controllers — prompting the Virgin crew to halt to avoid collision; Airservices Australia is now investigating all three incidents alongside the ATSB, while the union and minister acknowledge severe staffing shortages linked to pandemic-era departures and lengthy training, with 95 new controllers expected by year-end.
A third near-collision has been reported at Sydney Airport, involving Virgin Australia flight VA555 and Qantas flight QF728, both Boeing 737s, with the Qantas crew stating they received clearance to cross the runway — prompting the Virgin Australia crew to halt to avoid impact; Airservices Australia is now investigating all three incidents alongside the ATSB, while the transport minister confirmed 95 new controllers are expected to be endorsed by year-end amid ongoing staffing shortages linked to pandemic-era departures and lengthy training requirements.
A third near-collision has been reported at Sydney Airport, involving Virgin Australia flight VA555 and Qantas flight QF728, both Boeing 737s, with the Qantas crew stating they received clearance to cross the runway — a claim contradicted by the Virgin Australia crew, who halted to avoid collision; Airservices Australia is now investigating all three incidents alongside the ATSB, while the transport minister confirmed 95 new controllers are expected to be endorsed by year-end amid ongoing staffing shortages traced to pandemic-era departures and lengthy training requirements.
A third near-collision occurred at Sydney Airport between Virgin Australia flight VA555 and Qantas flight QF728, both Boeing 737s, with the Qantas crew reporting they received clearance to cross the runway as the Virgin aircraft stopped after spotting the conflicting movement; Airservices Australia is now investigating all three incidents alongside the ATSB, while the transport minister confirmed 95 new controllers are expected to be endorsed by year-end and acknowledged staffing shortages linked to pandemic-era departures and lengthy training requirements.
A third near-collision occurred at Sydney Airport involving Virgin Australia flight VA555 and Qantas flight QF728, both Boeing 737s, with the Qantas crew reporting they received clearance to cross the runway—prompting the Virgin crew to halt to avoid impact; Airservices Australia is now investigating all three incidents alongside the ATSB, while the transport minister confirmed 95 new air traffic controllers are expected to be endorsed by year-end amid ongoing staffing shortages linked to pandemic-era departures and lengthy training requirements.
