Key facts
- The ATSB is investigating a second runway incursion at Sydney Airport on August 9.
- A Virgin Australia plane aborted takeoff when a Qantas plane crossed the runway.
- Airservices Australia did not immediately report the incident, stating it did not meet mandatory reporting thresholds.
- This is the third safety issue at Sydney Airport in recent weeks.
- The ATSB will consider organizational or systemic issues contributing to the incident.
Australia's transport watchdog is investigating a second runway incursion at Sydney Airport that occurred on August 9, involving a Virgin Australia flight aborting its takeoff as a Qantas plane crossed the runway. Airservices Australia, the organization managing Australian skies, defended its decision not to immediately report the incident, with Chief Executive Rob Sharp stating it did not meet mandatory reporting thresholds as the aircraft were more than 1km apart when clearances were rescinded. The incident was referred to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) four days after it occurred. This is the third safety issue at the country's busiest airport in recent weeks, following a near-collision between a Jetstar and Qatar Airways plane and a prior incident involving a Qantas flight. The ATSB chief commissioner, Angus Mitchell, stated the bureau immediately commenced an investigation and will consider any organizational or systemic issues that may have contributed to the event.