What led to three near-misses at Sydney Airport in two weeks?

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Investigation Underway into Three Near-Miss Incidents at Sydney Airport

An investigation is examining the circumstances surrounding three separate near-miss incidents at Sydney Airport that occurred within a two-week period, involving multiple airlines. The incidents prompted concerns from aviation authorities and the public regarding air traffic control procedures and airport operations.
Runway Incursions and Avoidance Maneuvers

The most recent event on Sunday morning involved a Virgin Australia Boeing 737 that had received clearance for take-off. However, the flight crew observed a Qantas aircraft crossing the runway directly ahead of them. The Virgin Australia pilots successfully brought their aircraft to a halt approximately one kilometre from the other plane, which had also been granted permission to taxi across the active runway. Earlier on the same day, a Jetstar flight pilot had to execute an emergency braking maneuver to prevent a collision with a Qatar Airways jet. These events followed a similar near-miss on July 27, where two Qantas aircraft narrowly avoided a collision after both had been cleared for take-off.
Examination of Systemic and Operational Factors

Transport Safety Bureau Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell stated that the investigation will comprehensively consider any organisational or systemic issues that may have contributed to these occurrences. He indicated that the inquiry would scrutinise factors such as the airport's operational tempo and the staffing levels within the air traffic control tower at the time of each incident. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also called for a thorough investigation into these events.
Role of Training and Ramp-Up Period

Commissioner Mitchell highlighted that a "supervisory or a training situation" was occurring on the Sunday of the Virgin Australia and Jetstar incidents. He further noted that the aviation sector is currently experiencing a significant ramp-up period, which involves the recruitment, training, and qualification of air traffic controllers. While three incidents that should not have happened have been recorded, the precise reasons why they occurred are still being determined.

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What led to three near-misses at Sydney Airport in two weeks?

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