Jetstar and Qatar Airways aircraft nearly collided on Sydney runway
Jetstar A320 braked sharply to avoid a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 at Sydney Airport; ATSB investigating.
Two commercial airliners nearly collided on a runway at Sydney Airport early this morning, when a Jetstar A320 braked sharply to avoid a Qatar Airways Boeing 777. A member of the Jetstar crew was injured; no passengers were reported hurt.
The A320 reportedly made an emergency stop around 7:00 a.m. local time after coming close to the larger Boeing 777; both aircraft then came to a halt on the runway area.
The Jetstar flight, JQ402 bound for the Gold Coast, was taxiing toward the runway when the close-call occurred.
“Our aircraft was following air traffic control instructions when the pilots were forced to brake hard after another aircraft approached. We have opened an investigation into the incident,” said a Jetstar spokesperson.
Airservices Australia said it implemented traffic-management measures after the event, including spacing between departures “for the safe management of projected arrival and departure demand.” The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has opened an investigation and reported that the Boeing 777 suffered minor damage.
Jetstar said the airline is investigating and will cooperate with any safety inquiries. Airport operations were adjusted while authorities examined the scene; investigators continue to determine how the two aircraft came into close proximity.
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