A Jetstar Airways Pty. plane had a near-miss with a Qatar Airways aircraft on the Sydney Airport tarmac on Sunday morning. The Jetstar A320 had to brake suddenly to prevent a collision with a Qatar Airways Boeing 777. The incident occurred as the Gold Coast-bound Jetstar flight JQ402 was taxiing.
The Jetstar spokesperson confirmed their aircraft was following Air Traffic Control instructions when pilots were forced to brake firmly due to the close proximity of another aircraft. Jetstar has initiated an investigation into the incident. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is also investigating, noting there was "damage to the connection between the 777 nose gear and aircraft tug."
As a result of the incident, a ground controller and a tug operator have been stood down for mandatory drug and alcohol testing, a standard protocol. Investigators will interview flight crews, tug operators, air traffic controllers, and other witnesses, and collect recorded information including CCTV footage and aircraft data. While no passengers were injured, one Jetstar cabin crew member was assessed by paramedics. Airservices Australia has implemented Air Traffic Flow Management measures to manage airport operations and reduce delays.
