Jetstar and Qatar Planes Nearly Collide at Sydney Airport

A Jetstar passenger jet was forced to brake abruptly on Sunday morning to avoid a collision with a Qatar Airways aircraft being towed across its path at Sydney Airport, injuring a cabin crew member and prompting a safety investigation. The near-miss occurred around 7 a.m. local time as Jetstar flight JQ402, an Airbus A320 with 180 passengers bound for the Gold Coast, was taxiing for departure. At the same time, a Qatar Airways Boeing 777, which was not carrying passengers, was being moved by a tug on a crossing taxiway.

According to Australia's Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the two aircraft came into "close proximity," forcing both to stop abruptly. The exact distance between the planes has not been disclosed. A cabin crew member aboard the Jetstar aircraft was injured during the sudden stop and required medical attention. No passengers were reported injured. The Qatar aircraft sustained damage to the connection between its nose landing gear and the towing tug.

Jetstar stated its aircraft was following air traffic control instructions when its pilots were compelled to brake firmly. Initial reports suggest the tug pulling the Qatar aircraft may not have followed instructions,...