Source : Perth Now news
A Jetstar passenger plane came within just 15m of a van while approaching a north Queensland airport, prompting an air safety investigation.
Flight JQ908 was travelling from Brisbane to Townsville on October 7 when a vehicle entered a restricted area alongside the runway as the aircraft approached to land.
The ABC reports the Airbus A320 passed about 15m above the white van, with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigating the near miss as a serious incident.
Jetstar confirmed the flight landed normally and without incident.
“Safety is our number one priority, and we are working with the ATSB to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident,” a Jetstar spokesman told NewsWire.
Townsville Airport operates as a joint civilian and military facility, with the Royal Australian Air Force providing air traffic control services.
A Defence spokesman told the ABC the department was co-operating with the investigation.
“Defence is working closely with the ATSB regarding its investigation into a runway incursion and near collision at RAAF Base Townsville/Townsville Airport on 7 October 2026, after a vehicle entered a restricted airside area,” the spokesman said.
“As this matter is under investigation Defence will make no further comment at this time.”
The incident is the fourth occurrence in or near Townsville Airport being investigated by the ATSB in the past two months.
