Taxiing conflict involving Boeing 737, VH-IXJ, and Boeing 737, VH-VZV, at Sydney Airport, New South Wales, on 17 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 17 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.

As part of a taxi clearance, air traffic control instructed the crew of VH-IXJ to follow a Qantas aircraft. This part of the clearance was not read back by the crew of VH-IXJ, and air traffic control did not identify the incomplete 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 ATSB has commenced the examination and analysis of the initial evidence collected.

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.