Taxiing conflict involving Boeing 737, VH-IXJ, and Boeing 737, VH-VZV, at Sydney Airport, New South Wales, on 16 August 2026

Summary

The ATSB is investigating a taxiing conflict involving Boeing 737, VH-IXJ, and Boeing 737, VH-VZV, at Sydney Airport, New South Wales on 16 August 2026.

After diverting to and landing at Sydney on runway 16 left, the crew of Boeing 737 VH-IXJ, operating Virgin Australia flight VA1589 from Melbourne, Victoria to Newcastle, New South Wales, taxied north along taxiway B. Meanwhile, Boeing 737 VH-VZV, operating Qantas flight QF420 from Melbourne that had landed on runway 16 right was vacating the runway at taxiway B8.

Air traffic control instructed the crew of VH-IXJ to give way to VH-VZV, but this instruction was not read back by the crew of VH-IXJ, and air traffic control did not identify the incorrect readback. As VH-VZV vacated the runway, the crew observed VH-IXJ approaching from the right, stopped the aircraft and clarified the taxiing sequence.

The evidence collection phase of the investigation will involve interviewing involved air traffic controllers and flight crew, retrieving and reviewing available 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.