Jetstar A320 and Qatar Airways Boeing 777 narrowly avoid collision on Sydney airport tarmac

Near-miss on the taxiway

A Jetstar Airways A320 and a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 narrowly avoided a collision on the tarmac of Sydney airport at approximately 7am on Sunday 9 August 2026. The Jetstar aircraft, operating flight JQ402 to Gold Coast airport in Queensland, was taxiing for takeoff when its flight crew observed the Qatar Airways plane, which was being towed by an aircraft tug, in close proximity on a crossing taxiway. Both aircraft were stopped abruptly. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) described the event as a "near collision" and has opened an investigation.

A Jetstar spokesperson said the airline has also commenced its own investigation.

“Our aircraft was following instructions by Air Traffic Control when the pilots were forced to brake firmly after another aircraft came in close proximity.”

Injuries and damage

A cabin crew member aboard the Jetstar A320 was injured in the abrupt stop. According to Spanish outlet El Periódico, citing Australian broadcaster ABC, the crew member suffered a fractured wrist. Jetstar confirmed the crew member needed medical attention at the scene. No passengers were injured.

The ATSB said there was damage to the connection between the Qatar Airways Boeing 777's nose gear and the aircraft tug. Qatar Airways did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. The Jetstar flight was cancelled and passengers were re-booked on later services.

What may have gone wrong

Initial inquiries suggested the tug vehicle pulling the Qatar aircraft may not have followed instructions, sources told The Guardian. The ATSB said investigators would interview flight crew, tug operators and air traffic controllers, as well as other witnesses, and review any CCTV footage.

Airservices Australia, the government agency responsible for air navigation services, confirmed it was reviewing the incident and would assist with any safety investigation. A spokesperson said the agency was working with airlines to reduce delays and the impact on passenger travel.

Staffing shortages the day before

The near-miss followed a day of widespread disruption at Sydney airport. On Saturday 8 August, more than 150 flights passing through Sydney were delayed after Airservices Australia enacted "departure spacing" because it was unable to roster enough air traffic controllers. A Sydney airport spokesperson said Airservices Australia was managing reduced air traffic movements, with flights across the network affected and delays expected.

The Guardian reported that the airport was "struggling with staff shortages" at the time of the incident. Airservices Australia did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters on the near-miss itself.