# ‘Not enough air traffic controllers’: safety fears after Jetstar and Qatar planes nearly collide at Sydney airport

https://mins.news/en/item/17217

- The Guardian, 2026-08-09 02:49 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/09/sydney-airport-jetstar-qatar-airways-planes-collision-near-miss-air-traffic-controllers-safety-chris-minns

> Two aircraft narrowly avoided a collision on the tarmac at Sydney airport, Australia’s busiest airport. The incident occurred at 7am on Sunday as the facility faced staff shortages. A Jetstar Airbus A320 had to ‘brake firmly’ when a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 was towed into its path. The near-miss has prompted concerns about airport safety and the adequacy of air traffic control staffing.

## Related coverage

- [Australia: Jetstar and Qatar Airways planes nearly collide at Sydney Airport](https://mins.news/en/item/17318) — DW, 2026-08-09