Sydney Airport Safety Assured Amid Air Traffic Control Investigations

Sydney Airport is safe despite ongoing investigations into air traffic control rostering and fatigue concerns that may have contributed to near-miss incidents, according to the Albanese government. Between July and August, the airport experienced four runway incursions, including one where a jet sustained damage and was unable to maneuver.

Transport Minister Catherine King affirmed on Wednesday that the airport is cooperating with all investigations and remains secure for passengers. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) highlighted staffing as a key area of concern.

"Based on information detailed in our preliminary reports, staff resourcing within Sydney Tower at the time of many of the occurrences has emerged as a recurring area of enquiry," ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell told reporters in Canberra. He acknowledged the strain on air traffic control systems globally and praised the professionalism of the controllers.

A new independent assurance panel, chaired by retired Air Vice Marshal Ken Robinson, has been established to assist Sydney in implementing changes to its air traffic control operations. The panel will operate for an initial six-month period.

One incident involved a flight attendant fracturing a wrist after a sudden stop on a runway where a larger aircraft was being towed, creating a risk of collision with two planes stopping within 30 meters of each other. In another near-miss, an air traffic controller completed a handover only seven seconds before a plane was cleared to cross a runway, coming within 120 meters of a landing aircraft.

Documents revealed that air traffic controllers at Sydney Airport took an average of 17 days of sick leave in the last financial year, a figure higher than at other major Australian airports. This elevated sick leave is attributed to controllers being legally required not to work while unwell or fatigued, contributing to staffing shortages.

The airport has also faced issues with controllers managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously and conducting live training while maintaining regular duties. Mr. Mitchell clarified that fatigue risk is determined by staffing levels and roster calculations, rather than necessarily the subjective feeling of staff.

Sydney Airport's incident rate was 20 percent higher than that of other major Australian airports. The ATSB is examining these incidents to inform nationwide improvements in air traffic control. The Department of Infrastructure and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority are also working to enhance aviation safety, particularly during the training of new controllers.

Final reports on the incidents are expected to be released in the coming months. The ATSB previously investigated a near-miss incident involving two Qantas planes on a Sydney Airport runway.