Australia probes 3 near-misses at Sydney Airport
A Virgin Australia 737 had been cleared for take-off when its crew saw a Qantas plane crossing the runway, while a Jetstar pilot applied the brakes to avoid crashing into a Qatar Airways jet.
Sydney Airport is under investigation for three near-misses in less than two weeks, including two incidents on the same day. Transport Safety Bureau chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell stated that the authority is looking into the matter comprehensively and timely. The concerns arose after a Virgin Australia 737 had been cleared for take-off when it encountered a Qantas plane on the runway, with the crew successfully stopping the aircraft about a kilometre away from the other plane.
Earlier, a Jetstar pilot had to apply sudden brakes to avoid a collision with a Qatar Airways jet. Mitchell assured the public that any organisational or systemic issues contributing to these occurrences would be considered. He also mentioned that there might have been a supervisory or training situation taking place on the day of the incidents.
The three near-misses are raising questions about the efficiency of air traffic control and the ramping up period for air services, including recruiting and training air traffic controllers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also called for an investigation into the incidents.
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Also reported by 4 other outlets
- Sydney airport incident involving Virgin and Qantas flights didn’t have to be reported, Airservices Australia says theguardian.com
- Australia probes 3 near-misses at Sydney Airport freemalaysiatoday.com
- Australia probes three near-misses at Sydney Airport channelnewsasia.com
- Sydney Airport rocked by three near-misses in less than two weeks, probe launched malaymail.com
