RISE Radio™ News — Sydney Airport Plane Near-Collision Raises Safety Concerns

August 13, 2026

A serious aviation incident at Sydney Airport has raised new concerns about safety at Australia's busiest airport.

On Sunday, a Jetstar Airbus A320 narrowly avoided a collision with a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 while taxiing on the airport's tarmac. The Jetstar aircraft, operating flight JQ402 to the Gold Coast, was forced to brake suddenly when the Qatar aircraft came into its path. The planes reportedly came within around 50 metres of each other.

A Jetstar crew member was injured during the sudden braking and was treated by paramedics. No passengers were reported injured. The Jetstar flight was subsequently cancelled and passengers were rebooked.

Later that same day, another serious incident occurred when a Virgin Australia Boeing 737 aborted its takeoff after its crew saw a Qantas Boeing 737 crossing the runway. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating both incidents.

The incidents have increased scrutiny of air traffic control operations and staffing at Sydney Airport. Australian aviation authorities are working to determine exactly what went wrong and whether changes are needed to prevent future incidents.

RISE Radio™ News will continue to follow this developing story as investigators work to determine what caused the near-collisions.