A review has identified that Sydney Airport experienced runway incursions and near misses at 20% above national averages. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating staffing gaps as a key factor in four major safety incidents that occurred in July and August 2026.
Preliminary investigation reports released by ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell confirmed that staffing levels have "emerged as a recurring area of enquiry." Air Services Australia, which operates the control tower, had predicted fatigue risks for staff through roster modelling processes at the time of the incidents.
Investigators will consider whether staff combining operational roles, routine reliance on overtime, and conducting training and supervision alongside normal duties contributed to the incidents. Mitchell noted that Sydney has recorded the highest ground confliction rate per aircraft movement post-Covid among major airports.
The four incidents included a near miss on 27 July, where a Qantas Boeing 737 and a Qantaslink Dash 8 came within 120m of each other. This incident received the most serious safety classification, only the third time such a rating has been used in Australian records. Other incidents involved abrupt braking to avoid collisions and aircraft being cleared to cross runways in front of others.
Transport minister Catherine King has announced the creation of a new independent assurance panel for Sydney air traffic control. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) stated that it believes none of the incidents presented an "immediate safety risk" and that air travel in Australia remains safe.