SYDNEY— Airservices Australia has defended its decision not to immediately classify a runway incident at Sydney Airport (SYD) as a mandatory report after a Virgin Australia Boeing 737 aborted takeoff when a Qantas Boeing 737 crossed the runway ahead.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is now investigating the August 9 event, the third serious ground-safety incident at the airport in recent weeks.
Virgin Australia (VA) was operating flight VA555 from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) to Perth Airport (PER), while Qantas (QF) flight QF728 was preparing to depart for Ayers Rock.
The incident occurred shortly after 10 am when the Virgin crew began its takeoff roll and saw the Qantas aircraft crossing runway 34L from taxiway Lima.
Reporting Decision Under Safety Scrutiny
Airservices Australia chief executive Rob Sharp said controllers had cancelled the Virgin takeoff clearance after identifying the Qantas aircraft approximately 1.3 kilometres away.
Sharp argued that the circumstances did not meet the organisation’s threshold for mandatory reporting because the Virgin aircraft remained stationary when the clearance was rescinded, and the two aircraft were separated by what he described as a substantial distance.
He said Airservices remained willing to review the available data and make operational improvements if investigators identify areas that require change.
The organisation has also said safety remains its highest priority as scrutiny increases over recent Sydney Airport incidents.
ATSB Investigation Into Runway Incident
The ATSB has classified the occurrence as a runway incursion involving a rejected takeoff and has moved into the evidence-collection phase.
Investigators are expected to examine recorded information, interview relevant personnel and review other evidence to establish how the conflicting aircraft movements developed.
Both Virgin Australia and Qantas have confirmed they will cooperate with the investigation.
According to the ATSB, both aircraft were acting on air traffic control instructions. The Qantas crew reported receiving clearance to cross the runway, while Virgin had been cleared for a full-length takeoff before controllers cancelled that clearance.
The Virgin pilots reduced thrust and stopped on the runway, preventing a collision. Once the Qantas aircraft had cleared the active runway, Virgin received a new takeoff clearance and later departed without reported damage or injuries.
Sydney Safety Concerns Grow After Incidents
The incident has intensified attention on ground safety and air traffic control operations at Sydney Airport, following two other recent events.
On August 9, a Jetstar Airbus A320 and a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 were involved in another ground near-miss. Earlier, on July 27, Qantas aircraft were involved in a separate runway-related incident that also prompted safety scrutiny, News24 reported.
The sequence has increased pressure on Airservices Australia, particularly amid continuing concerns about air traffic controller staffing and operational coverage at Sydney.
Sharp has maintained that safety remains the organisation’s number one priority while Airservices works with regulators and airlines to address recent events.
The ATSB investigation into the Virgin-Qantas incident will determine whether further safety measures or operational changes are required.
Until the investigation is complete, the circumstances surrounding the conflicting clearances and the reporting decision remain under review.
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