The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating a runway incursion and near collision involving a Jetstar passenger aircraft and a ground vehicle at Townsville Airport on 7 October 2026.
According to the bureau's investigation summary, flight JQ908 was arriving from Brisbane when its crew saw a white van entering runway 01 near the threshold. The van stopped at the outer edge of the runway as the aircraft passed about 50 feet above ground level. The aircraft then landed and the vehicle resumed crossing.
The ATSB has classified the occurrence as a serious incident. Its published summary records no injuries and no damage to the aircraft.
Investigators say they will interview people involved, review recorded data and gather other evidence. Their findings have not yet been determined; the bureau says it will release a final report when the investigation concludes.
Source: Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation AO-2026-100. ABC North Queensland's 13 October report also covered the investigation.
Image disclosure: This AI-generated editorial illustration is a generic airport scene. It is not a photograph or reconstruction of the Townsville incident.
