airport authorities are examining a near collision that occurred between two planes on the tarmac Sunday, which resulted in flight delays at busiest airport, news agency AFP reported.
A Jetstar Airways Pty. plane was taxiing out from its bay at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport when another aircraft approached, the carrier said in a statement. No passengers were injured, but a cabin attendant required treatment from paramedics, Jetstar said. The other jet involved was a Airways QCSC plane, according to people familiar with the matter.
“Our aircraft was following instructions by Air Traffic Control when the pilots were forced to brake firmly after another aircraft came in close proximity,” a Jetstar spokesperson said. “We have commenced an investigation into the incident.”
Air traffic manager, Airservices Australia, said it is reviewing the incident and will assist with any safety investigation, according to a statement.
Qatar Airways Plane Reportedly Being Towed
Flightradar24 data showed that the only Qatar Airways aircraft, a Boeing 777, at Sydney Airport at the time was one operated on behalf of Virgin Australia. The area of the incident, near the airport’s Terminal 2, indicates the Qatar plane was being towed to a remote parking stand having landed earlier Sunday morning. It arrived at Terminal 1, on the other side of the airport.
Qatar Airways didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Delays Expected As Safety Measures Kick In
Airservices Australia said it has enforced measures including departure spacing at the Sydney airport to “safely manage projected airborne and departure demands” following the incident.
“We are working with airlines to reduce delays and the impact on passenger travel as much as possible,” it said.
Jetstar, Australia’s dominant budget airline, last week announced new charges for passengers using overhead luggage bins beginning next year. The airline is owned by Qantas Airways Ltd.
