JETSTAR AND QATAR AIRWAYS PLANES NARROWLY AVOID SYDNEY AIRPORT COLLISION AS PILOTS BRAKE HARD
A near-miss incident at Australia’s busiest airport left a crew member injured and caused major operational delays. A Jetstar Airbus A320 was forced to slam on its brakes to avoid hitting a towed Qatar Airways Boeing 777.
The Jetstar aircraft was taxiing for a flight to the Gold Coast under instructions from Air Traffic Control when pilots spotted the Qatar jet crossing dangerously close. The sudden emergency stop injured a cabin crew member who required paramedic treatment.
The hard halt also damaged the connection between the Qatar Airways 777 nose gear and its towing tug. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched a formal investigation into the near-collision.
Over 120 flights faced severe disruptions, leaving passengers stranded on the tarmac for over an hour. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns expressed deep concern over the incident and raised questions regarding air traffic controller staffing levels.
