The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into a near-collision incident at Sydney Airport on Sunday, marking the third such event in less than two weeks. The probe focuses on a Virgin Australia flight that aborted its takeoff as a Qantas aircraft simultaneously entered the runway.
Virgin Australia flight VA555, bound for Perth, was cleared for takeoff when its crew observed a Qantas 737, flight QF728 en route to Ayers Rock Airport, crossing the same runway. The Virgin Australia pilots reduced thrust and stopped their aircraft approximately one kilometer from the runway intersection. Simultaneously, air traffic control rescinded the takeoff clearance for flight VA555.
According to the ATSB, the Qantas crew also reported receiving clearance from air traffic control to cross the runway. Both Virgin Australia and Qantas have confirmed that their respective aircraft had been cleared and stated they are cooperating with the ATSB investigation.
The ATSB investigation will involve interviews with involved personnel, review of recorded data, and the collection of other pertinent information. Airservices Australia, which manages air traffic control, is collaborating with the ATSB on this and other recent incidents at Sydney Airport.
This incident follows two other near-misses at the airport. On July 27, a QantasLink flight from Canberra and a Qantas aircraft arriving from New Zealand were involved in a close call. Just days prior to Sunday's event, a Jetstar flight narrowly avoided a Qatar Airways aircraft that was being towed by a ground vehicle, causing delays to over 100 flights.
Airservices Australia has stated that safety is their top priority and that they are working with all stakeholders to ensure passenger safety. The organization also noted that it is actively recruiting air traffic controllers, having added approximately 100 in the past twelve months, more than ever before.