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

The transport safety bureau is investigating if Sydney airport’s low staffing levels contributed to four incidents on the runway between July and August earlier this year. Photograph: Hollie Adams/Reuters

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].