‘Near collision’ at Sydney Airport triggers investigation

Sydney Airport authorities launched a probe into a 'near collision' involving two passenger planes on Sunday, which left a Jetstar crew member injured. The incident occurred when a Jetstar Airbus A320 taxiing for a flight to the Gold Coast observed a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 under tow on a crossing taxiway. The Jetstar pilot had to apply sudden brakes to avoid a crash, causing both aircraft to stop abruptly and sustaining damage.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is examining the cause of the near collision, collecting data from both planes, air traffic control, and interviewing crew and tug operators. Witnesses are urged to submit any video footage of the incident. Delays are being experienced at Sydney Airport due to the incident. According to a Jetstar spokesperson, the crew member was moving through the cabin when the plane abruptly stopped and was treated by paramedics.

Qatar Airways has not yet commented on the matter. Early reports suggest that the tug pulling the Qatar plane did not adhere to air traffic control instructions.