澳大利亚运输安全局正调查悉尼机场发生的一起跑道入侵事件[1]。8月9日上午10时许，维珍航空VA555班机在应用推力起飞时，发现澳洲航空QF728班机正在34L跑道上穿越，机组被迫立即中止起飞[1]。两架波音737飞机均获得了空中交通管制的授权，空中交通管制在初始授权后4秒内取消了维珍班机的起飞授权[1]。
这次事件是近三周内悉尼机场发生的第三起安全事件，引发了对空中交通管制人员配备是否充足的担忧[1]。澳大利亚运输部长Catherine King对Airservices Australia首席执行官Rob Sharp表示："过去三天悉尼机场的延误和中断是不可接受的"[1]。
Australia's transport regulator is investigating a runway incursion incident at Sydney Airport involving two Boeing 737 aircraft that had both been cleared for use by air traffic control.[1] Virgin Australia flight VA555, operating the Sydney-Perth route, was forced to abort takeoff on August 9 when the flight crew observed a Qantas aircraft beginning to cross runway 34L during the initial thrust application.[1] Air traffic control cancelled Virgin's takeoff clearance within four seconds of the incident.[1]
The incident marks the third safety occurrence at Sydney Airport within three weeks, intensifying concerns about staffing levels in air traffic management.[1] Transport Minister Catherine King expressed her disapproval to Airservices Australia Chief Executive Rob Sharp, stating that "the delays and disruptions at Sydney Airport over the past three days are unacceptable."[1] The Qantas aircraft involved in the incident was flight QF728, which was bound for Uluru (Ayers Rock) Airport.[1]