ANSP information/procedural error involving Airbus A380-841, 9V-SKQ and Boeing 737-8SA, VH-IWQ, at Sydney Airport, New South Wales, on 14 November 2022

The ATSB is investigating an air traffic control error that occurred at Sydney Airport on 14 November 2022, involving a taxiing Boeing 737 and an Airbus A380 aircraft, departing on runway 34L.

The Boeing 737 had recently landed on runway 25. When issuing the landing clearance, the aerodrome controller had provided the flight crew traffic information about the Airbus A380, lined-up but holding position on the threshold of the intersecting runway, 34L.

The Airbus A380 was issued a take-off clearance as the Boeing 737 crossed through the intersection of the runways. The Boeing 737 vacated runway 25 onto the taxiway and the flight crew contacted the surface movement controller, who issued clearance to cross runway 34L and taxi to their allocated parking bay.

The Airbus A380 was becoming airborne as it passed through the taxiway intersection, with the Boeing 737 about 300 m from the runway 34L holding point. The Boeing 737 did not infringe the runway strip during the Airbus A380’s take-off and a runway incursion did not occur.

The Boeing 737 crew saw the Airbus A380 as it became airborne and queried their runway crossing clearance with the controller.

As part of the investigation, the ATSB will interview involved parties, examine recorded data, review relevant procedures and collect other evidence as required.

A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.