The flight from Brisbane was approaching Townsville when the pilots spotted a white van near the edge of the runway. The plane passed over the vehicle with about 15 metres of clearance, according to the ATSB. Jetstar confirmed the flight landed normally and said it was cooperating with the investigation, stating: "Safety is our number one priority, and we are working with the ATSB to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident."
The incident is the fourth probe involving Townsville Airport in the past two months. On September 5, a Jetstar flight scheduled to depart for Brisbane was halted after a performance calculation error was identified. On September 23, a Qantas flight from Brisbane issued a mayday call due to low fuel after three missed landings caused by poor visibility. On October 1, a Dash 8 and a light aircraft came within 500 metres of each other about 18 kilometres west of the airport, prompting evasive action.
The ATSB has previously flagged serious runway incidents at Sydney Airport, including one it described as the most severe in more than 20 years.
Townsville Airport is jointly operated by Queensland Airports Limited and the Australian Defence Force, with air traffic control provided by the Australian Air Force. A Defence spokesperson said: "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 spokesperson declined further comment while the investigation is underway.
Sidney Dekker from Griffith University's Safety Science Innovation Lab said there was only cause for concern if the incidents share a common cause. "Once we know what the ATSB comes up with in their investigation, then we'll have a better view of the extent to which it is connected to longstanding issues at Townsville or other airports," he said.