Sydney Airport under investigation after four runway near-misses

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a federal investigation into four runway near-misses occurring at Sydney Airport over a three-month period starting in late July 2026.

According to preliminary findings released on September 30, the incidents involved various airlines, including Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Qatar Airways. One incident on August 9 required a Jetstar Airbus A320 to brake abruptly to avoid a being-towed Qatar Airways Boeing 777, resulting in a flight attendant fracturing her wrist during the sudden deceleration. Other incidents involved aircraft being cleared to cross runways in front of planes that were landing or had already received takeoff clearance.

ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell stated that investigators are examining “staff resourcing pressures within the tower,” specifically the practice of combining operational roles, heavy reliance on overtime, and conducting training or supervision during operational duties. The bureau also noted fatigue as a potential risk factor. Data indicates that Sydney Airport has recorded a ground conflict rate per aircraft movement that is approximately 20 percent above the Australian national average since the lifting of pandemic restrictions.