A serious aviation safety investigation is underway after two aircraft came dangerously close to colliding at Sydney Airport, with Australia's transport safety authorities warning that the incident could have had much more serious consequences.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning when a Jetstar Airbus A320 preparing to fly to the Gold Coast was taxiing at Sydney Airport. The aircraft was carrying passengers and fuel when its crew observed a Qatar Airways Boeing 777 being towed across a crossing taxiway. The Jetstar pilot was forced to apply the brakes suddenly to avoid a collision.

The abrupt stop resulted in a Jetstar cabin crew member being injured. The crew member was treated by paramedics, while no passengers were reported to have suffered injuries. The incident also caused damage to the connection between the Qatar aircraft's nose landing gear and the tug that was towing it.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into what happened. Investigators are examining communication and coordination between air traffic control, the Jetstar flight crew and the operators moving the Qatar aircraft. They are also collecting information from the aircraft, air traffic control and other personnel involved in the incident.

ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said the two aircraft should not have come as close as they did. He described the situation as potentially much more serious because the Jetstar aircraft was preparing for departure with passengers and fuel onboard. Investigators are examining whether instructions were correctly communicated, received and understood.

The incident has also renewed concerns about pressure on Sydney's aviation system. Sydney Airport has experienced operational restrictions and delays linked to air traffic control staffing problems. The ATSB has acknowledged challenges involving the recruitment, training and qualification of air traffic controllers, while the aviation industry is also preparing for the opening of Western Sydney International Airport.

The latest incident is particularly significant because it is the second major aircraft near-miss at Sydney Airport within several weeks. On 27 July, two Qantas aircraft were cleared to use the same runway at the same time. The aircraft stopped before a collision occurred, and the ATSB classified that incident as serious.

Following Sunday's incident, authorities have asked anyone who witnessed the event or has relevant video footage to provide information to investigators. Airservices Australia also reported operational disruptions following the incident, adding to existing pressure on Sydney Airport operations.

The incident has attracted significant attention because Sydney Airport is Australia's busiest airport and handles large numbers of domestic and international flights every day. Any failure in coordination between aircraft, ground crews and air traffic control can have potentially serious consequences, particularly when aircraft are operating in close proximity on taxiways and runways.

Federal Transport Minister Catherine King is also seeking answers from the organisation responsible for managing air traffic after the near-miss. ABC Sydney reported on Monday that the minister was demanding information about what occurred.

The investigation will now determine exactly how the aircraft came into such close proximity and whether changes are required to prevent another incident.