Jetstar, Qatar Planes Almost Crash On Sydney Airport Tarmac: How Close Were They?

Published 9 August 2026 · india

News world Jetstar, Qatar Planes Almost Crash On Sydney Airport Tarmac: How Close Were They? Jetstar, Qatar Planes Almost Crash On Sydney Airport Tarmac: How

News world Jetstar, Qatar Planes Almost Crash On Sydney Airport Tarmac: How Close Were They? Jetstar, Qatar Planes Almost Crash On Sydney Airport Tarmac: How Close Were They? Published By, Last Updated: August 09, 2026, 10:54 IST The near-miss happened around 7am as Jetstar flight JQ402, an Airbus A320 preparing to fly to the Gold Coast, was taxiing on the airport’s taxiways. Rapid Read The two aircraft came into such close proximity that both had to stop abruptly. Two passenger planes came dangerously close to colliding on the tarmac at Sydney Airport on Sunday morning, forcing a Jetstar aircraft to brake firmly as a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 was towed across its path. The near-miss happened around 7am as Jetstar flight JQ402, an Airbus A320 preparing to fly to the Gold Coast, was taxiing on the airport’s taxiways.

At the same time, the Qatar Airways Boeing 777 was being moved by a tug on a crossing taxiway. The two aircraft came into such close proximity that both had to stop abruptly, according to Australia’s Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), which is investigating the incident. The exact distance between the two aircraft has not yet been disclosed by investigators. However, the ATSB described the aircraft as being in “close proximity" and confirmed that both were brought to an abrupt stop, narrowly preventing what could have been a serious ground collision involving two large passenger aircraft. A cabin crew member aboard the Jetstar A320 was injured in the incident and required medical attention. No passengers were injured. The Qatar aircraft also suffered damage to the connection between its nose landing gear and the tug that was towing it.

Jetstar said its aircraft was following air traffic control instructions when its pilots were forced to brake “firmly" after the Qatar aircraft came into close proximity. Initial inquiries indicated that the tug pulling the Qatar aircraft may not have followed instructions, although investigators have not yet established what caused the near-miss. The ATSB said it would interview the flight crews, tug operators and air traffic controllers, as well as other witnesses. Investigators will also examine CCTV footage as they determine how the two aircraft ended up on intersecting paths. The incident comes as Sydney Airport faces growing concerns over air traffic controller staffing. More than 150 flights were delayed at the airport on Saturday, while Airservices Australia said it had been managing reduced air traffic movements. The near-miss has now added a major safety concern to the disruption.