Summary
The ATSB is investigating a runway incursion and rejected take-off involving 2 Boeing 737s at Sydney Airport, New South Wales, on 9 August 2026.
The aircraft were operating as Virgin Australia flight VA555 from Sydney to Perth, Western Australia, and Qantas flight QF728 from Sydney to Ayers Rock Airport, Northern Territory.
At around 10 am local time, air traffic control (ATC) cleared the Virgin Australia 737 for a full-length take-off on runway 34L. As the crew applied thrust for take-off, they observed the Qantas 737 begin to cross the runway ahead of them from taxiway lima. The Qantas crew reported having received a clearance from ATC to cross the runway.
The Virgin Australia crew reduced thrust and the aircraft came to a stop on the runway. At the same time, ATC broadcast a cancelation of the take-off clearance. Once the Qantas 737 was clear of the runway, the Virgin Australia 737 was re-cleared by ATC to commence take-off.
The initial evidence collection phase of the investigation will involve interviewing involved parties, retrieving and reviewing recorded data, and the collection of other relevant information.
A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.
