A crew member is reportedly being treated for minor injuries after two planes nearly collided on the tarmac at Sydney Airport this morning.
9News understands a Jetstar Airbus A320, destined for the Gold Coast with more than 100 passengers on board, was moving towards the runway when it came within metres of being hit by a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 using the same intersection.
A Jetstar and a Qatar Airways plane came within metres of colliding on the tarmac at Sydney Airport. 9News
The Jetstar pilots hit the brakes, and 9News understands a flight attendant carrying out final pre-flight checks fell over and was treated for minor injuries.
No customers were hurt.
It’s believed nobody was aboard the Qatar plane, which was being towed by a tug.
It’s not yet known what led to the near-collision, but an investigation is expected into the incident.
9News understands the Jetstar pilot told passengers that the tug towing the Qatar plane had been told to wait while the Jetstar flight crossed the intersection, but that it continued travelling.
In a statement, Jetstar said it was investigating the incident.
“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 spokesperson said.
The flight was cancelled and passengers booked on other services to the Gold Coast departing later today.
“Airservices Australia has enacted Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) measures including departure spacing at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport to safely manage projected airborne and departure demands following a reported safety incident between two aircraft moving on taxiways,” an Airservices Australia spokesperson told nine.com.au.
“We are working with airlines to reduce delays and the impact on passenger travel as much as possible.
“Airservices is reviewing the incident and will assist with any safety investigation.”
Nine.com.au has contacted Qatar Airways for more information.