Concern over Sydney airport as near misses and runway incursions at 20% above national average

Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigating staffing gaps as key factor in four incidents in July and August

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Modelling by Sydney airport’s air traffic control operators predicted elevated fatigue risks for staff at the time of a series of major safety incidents, with a review identifying runway incursions and near misses at 20% above national averages.

Staffing gaps at Sydney airport are being investigated as a key factor in four incidents in July and August this year, according to the investigating authority, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau [ATSB].