Qantas Runway Near-Miss Prompts Fourth Safety Investigation

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into a near-miss incident involving two Qantas aircraft at Sydney Airport.

This marks the fourth safety probe into a runway or taxiway incident in recent times.

The incident occurred on Tuesday when a Qantas Airbus A321 was taxiing to depart for the Gold Coast, while a Qantas Boeing 737, having just landed from Melbourne, was taxiing towards the domestic terminal.

According to the ATSB, the Boeing was cleared to taxi west along taxiway Lima and then turn right onto taxiway Bravo. The Airbus was cleared to taxi south along taxiway Charlie and turn right onto taxiway Lima.

The flight crew of the Airbus observed the Boeing approaching from their left as they neared taxiway Lima and brought their aircraft to a stop. The Boeing then passed in front of the Airbus.