Australia Probes Three Sydney Airport Near-Misses in Two Weeks

Australian authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into three near-miss incidents at Sydney Airport over a two-week period, raising concerns about potential systemic issues in air traffic control. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed it is examining whether the events, which involved multiple airlines and put aircraft at risk, were isolated mistakes or indicative of broader problems.

The most serious incident occurred on August 9, when a Virgin Australia Boeing 737 was cleared for takeoff while a Qantas Boeing 737 was simultaneously cleared to cross the same runway. According to the transport safety bureau, the Virgin crew had already applied takeoff thrust when they spotted the Qantas jet crossing ahead from taxiway Lima. The pilots reduced thrust and brought their aircraft to a stop on the runway, avoiding a collision. Airservices Australia CEO Rob Sharp stated that the controller immediately cancelled the takeoff clearance upon recognizing the Qantas aircraft was approaching the runway. He noted the Qantas plane was approximately 1.3 kilometers away at the time.

Earlier that same day, a Jetstar flight preparing for takeoff was forced to brake...