Transport safety watchdog investigates third Sydney Airport incident

• A Virgin Australia 737 aborted its takeoff on Aug. 9 after a Qantas 737 crossed the active runway.
• The incident follows two other safety issues at the airport within the last three weeks.
• The Australian International Pilots Association states Airservices Australia is currently reliant on staff working excessive overtime hours.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating a third safety incident at Sydney Airport after a Virgin Australia (ASX:VGN) flight aborted its takeoff when a Qantas (ASX:QAN) aircraft crossed the runway.

This event follows a near ground collision involving cabin crew injuries earlier that morning and a separate coordination breakdown reported by authorities last week.

"Airservices Australia has been too slow to hire new air traffic controllers," said Airservices Australia CEO Rob Sharp.

The Australian International Pilots Association reported that Airservices Australia remains structurally reliant on staff working overtime, with controllers frequently working 10 consecutive days.

Following the announcement, Virgin Australia’s share price was $2.73, while Qantas’ share price was $10.07.

The aviation industry continues to face scheduling pressures as the airport works to resolve air traffic controller shortages that have caused recent flight delays.

Airservices Australia provides the primary air traffic control services for major hubs across the country and has been under increased scrutiny for recent operational performance.

The organisation has previously executed a series of staffing reviews and hiring drives in an attempt to address the current service capacity constraints.