Two planes, a Jetstar A320 and a Qatar Airways Boeing 777, narrowly avoided a collision on the tarmac at Sydney Airport at 7am on Sunday. The Jetstar aircraft was taxiing for a planned flight to Gold Coast airport when its crew observed the Qatar Airways plane, under tow, in close proximity on a crossing taxiway. Both aircraft were stopped abruptly.
A cabin crew member aboard the Jetstar A320 was injured and required medical attention at the scene. No passengers were injured. There was also damage to the connection between the Boeing 777 nose gear and its tug vehicle.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has commenced an investigation into the near-collision. Jetstar has also started its own investigation. Initial inquiries suggest the tug vehicle pulling the Qatar aircraft may not have followed instructions.
Airservices Australia, which oversees air traffic control, is reviewing the incident and assisting with the safety investigation. The Jetstar flight JQ402 was cancelled, and passengers were re-booked on later services.