An air safety investigation is underway after a Jetstar Airbus SE A320 and a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 almost collided on the tarmac at Sydney airport on August 9, 2026. The Jetstar crew was taxiing before a planned flight to the Gold Coast when they noticed the Qatar jet being towed on a crossing taxiway. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said this is the second near miss in two weeks and has opened a formal probe.

The ATSB statement confirmed that the Airbus A320 was preparing for its scheduled service while the Boeing 777 was being moved by a tug. Both aircraft avoided impact, but the close call prompted immediate safety reviews and a wider examination of ground‑operation procedures at the hub.

Aviation regulators and the airlines are now revisiting taxiway protocols, communication standards, and tug‑escort procedures. The incident underscores the critical need for rigorous oversight in busy airports like Sydney, where high traffic volumes increase the risk of human error.

Investigators expect the findings to shape new guidelines for aircraft movement on the ground, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.