A shortage of air traffic controllers disrupted operations at Sydney Airport on the morning of Sept 11, triggering flight cancellations and lengthy delays as Australia’s aviation system faces renewed scrutiny over staffing and safety, Reuters reported.
Airservices Australia said it introduced Air Traffic Flow Management measures because of roster constraints, limiting traffic to safely manage demand at the country’s busiest airport.
The restrictions were lifted at 8.15am after conditions improved, although delays of up to 10 minutes were still expected through the rest of the morning.
Some Qantas flights were delayed by more than an hour, while six services were cancelled.
Airservices Australia said it was working with airlines to minimise the impact on passengers and was taking steps to recruit more controllers and improve access to additional staff when required.
The disruption comes as Airservices Australia chief executive Rob Sharp and other senior officials are due to appear before a Senate committee examining the reliability and affordability of Australia’s aviation sector.
It also follows heightened scrutiny of air traffic control staffing after six near-miss incidents were reported at Sydney Airport within about a month. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating whether the incidents share common safety issues or contributing factors.
