Safety investigators have launched a formal inquiry into a near collision at Sydney Airport after a Jetstar aircraft was forced to brake sharply to avoid hitting a Qatar Airways jet being towed across a taxiway. The incident, which occurred on Sunday morning, caused delays across Australia’s busiest airport and left a Jetstar crew member injured.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said a Jetstar Airbus A320 was taxiing for departure to the Gold Coast when its crew spotted a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 under tow by an aircraft tug moving dangerously close on a crossing taxiway. Both aircraft stopped abruptly.
According to the ATSB, the sudden halt injured a Jetstar cabin crew member who was moving through the cabin at the time. The impact also damaged the connection between the 777’s nose gear and the tug.
Investigators are now gathering data from both aircraft, reviewing air‑traffic control instructions, and interviewing flight crews and tug operators. The regulator has also appealed for witnesses to submit any video footage of the incident.
Airservices Australia confirmed that flight delays were occurring as a result of the disruption.
Jetstar said its aircraft was following air‑traffic control directions when pilots were forced to brake firmly due to the Qatar jet’s proximity. Paramedics later treated the injured crew member.
Qatar Airways has not yet commented. However, an official familiar with early findings who was not authorised to speak publicly said preliminary information suggests the tug towing the Qatar aircraft did not follow air‑traffic control instructions.
The ATSB investigation will determine how the near collision unfolded and whether procedural or human‑factor failures were involved.
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