Australia investigates 4th close call at Sydney airport in less than a month

Australia’s transport safety regulator has launched an investigation into a fourth near-miss incident at Sydney Airport within a month, following a series of alarming aviation close calls. On Friday, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) confirmed the probe, citing a scenario where two Qantas aircraft nearly collided on the ground. A Qantas Airbus A321 bound for the Gold Coast braked abruptly to avoid a Boeing 737 that had just landed from Melbourne. The Boeing had been cleared to proceed along a taxiway that the Airbus had been instructed to enter, creating a dangerous convergence. The ATSB stated that while there was no immediate risk of collision, the incident prompted further scrutiny. It noted that this follows three similar occurrences at the same airport in recent weeks, raising concerns about systemic issues in air traffic management. The agency emphasized that its investigation would include interviews with air traffic controllers and flight crews, as well as a review of recorded data and other relevant information. A preliminary report is anticipated within six to eight weeks. One of the earlier incidents occurred on July 27, when a QantasLink Dash 8 completed a landing and encountered a Qantas 737 that had been cleared to cross the same runway. Pilots of the 737 reported they had been directed to cross, but the aircraft was forced to stop, only after crossing the safety hold point. This incident highlighted potential miscommunication or procedural errors during critical moments. On August 9, a Jetstar A320 had to make a sudden stop on the tarmac to avoid a collision with a Qatar Airways Boeing 777, resulting in injury to a cabin crew member. The same day, a Virgin Australia 737, cleared for takeoff, spotted a Qantas aircraft crossing the runway ahead and halted approximately one kilometer short of the other plane, which had also been cleared to cross. These events underscored the frequency and severity of the problem. In addition to these incidents, the ATSB disclosed that an air traffic controller had submitted a report in early June highlighting challenges faced by staff due to the implementation of complex airspace and procedural changes linked to the opening of a new international airport in western Sydney. Over 50 controllers participated in a union survey, expressing concerns about insufficient time to absorb extensive and intricate new protocols before the changes took effect on July 9. The controller’s report drew parallels to the air traffic control situation in Washington, D.C., prior to a fatal midair collision in January 2025. At that time, staff had raised alarms with local management regarding inadequate preparation and training. In response, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority reviewed the situation and concluded that Airservices Australia, which employs the air traffic controllers, had appropriately addressed the training, procedures, and operational support needed for the airspace modifications. Despite these findings, the recent string of incidents suggests ongoing pressures on air traffic control systems. The ATSB’s investigation aims to determine whether there are underlying patterns or shared contributing factors among the cases. As the inquiry unfolds, authorities will assess whether additional measures are required to enhance safety and prevent future conflicts. The outcomes of the investigation could lead to revised training programs, updated communication protocols, or adjustments in how airspace is managed at Sydney Airport. For now, the focus remains on gathering all available data and understanding the root causes behind the repeated near misses.