Runway incursions on the rise across Australian airports, says expert

Runway incursions have surged across Australian airports over the past two decades, according to new research by an aviation expert. The issue has come under renewed scrutiny following several incidents at Sydney Airport, including two serious near-misses involving commercial flights. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched six investigations into runway conflicts and taxiing errors at the city’s main airport since late July, with two recent cases highlighted on August 16 and 25. On August 16, air traffic control instructed a Virgin 737 to yield to a Qantas 737 departing the runway. However, the message was miscommunicated, and the error went unaddressed. On August 25, incomplete traffic information was relayed to a Jetstar Airbus A320, leading to a Bombardier Dash 8 taxiing behind the aircraft. These incidents underscored ongoing challenges in air traffic management, prompting further examination of safety protocols. Only one incident, involving a Jetstar crew member injured on August 9, was classified as a “near collision.” Another case was deemed a “serious incident,” while the remaining four met the criteria for “incidents” but did not reach the level of a near miss. Graham Wild, an aviation discipline coordinator at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), analyzed data from the ATSB spanning 2003 to 2025 to identify trends in runway incursions and taxiing collisions. His findings revealed a steady increase in such events. For domestic aviation, taxiing collisions or near-collisions rose by approximately one occurrence every three years. In contrast, commercial air transport, encompassing regional, charter, and freight operations, saw an average of three additional runway incursions every two years. Despite these increases, Dr. Wild noted an overall improvement in safety standards, though the industry continues to strive for zero incidents. Dr. Wild emphasized that modern surveillance technologies, akin to those used with drones, could significantly enhance situational awareness and reduce human error. He suggested that better connectivity and real-time tracking systems might address many of the current challenges facing air traffic control. Such advancements could help prevent misunderstandings and miscommunications that contribute to runway conflicts. Airservices Australia, the organization responsible for managing air traffic in the country, stated that reporting and analyzing operational incidents is a critical component of the aviation safety framework. Since January 2021, the agency has reported an average of 34 occurrences per month at Sydney Airport. This compares to 21 monthly reports at Brisbane Airport and 12 at Melbourne Airport. A spokesperson for Airservices confirmed that the number of reports filed in Sydney during August aligned with typical reporting levels, indicating that the frequency of incidents remained within expected ranges. Sydney Airport itself reiterated that safety remains its top priority, although it declined to comment further until all ATSB investigations conclude. The airport’s statement emphasized the importance of avoiding speculation during active inquiries. Meanwhile, ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell has indicated that the bureau will examine potential staffing shortages within the air traffic control workforce as part of its broader review. Civil Air President Scott Nugent previously warned that air traffic control resources are overstretched, with some staff reportedly working up to 20 additional hours weekly. Looking ahead, experts like Uğur Turhan, who specializes in air traffic control workforce planning, stress the need for strategic investment in training and infrastructure. As the demand for air travel grows, ensuring adequate staffing and technological support will be crucial in maintaining safe and efficient operations. The ongoing investigations into recent incidents may lead to policy changes aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.