A serious runway incursion unfolded in New Zealand on November 8th 2025, when a light aircraft overflew a Jetstar Airbus A320neo that was backtracking on the same runway for departure.
The Jetstar Airways Airbus A320neo, registered VH-A5E, was operating flight JQ-166 from Hamilton to Sydney. The aircraft was backtracking runway 18L at Hamilton Airport in preparation for departure when a Cessna 172 on approach to the same runway flew over the A320neo.
The Cessna continued its landing and touched down without further incident. After the runway was clear, the Jetstar A320neo lined up on runway 18L and departed normally, later arriving in Sydney without additional issues.
New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission classified the occurrence as a serious incident and opened an investigation. Such a rating indicates the event carried a high potential risk to safety, even though no collision or injuries occurred.
Investigators are expected to examine air traffic control coordination, runway occupancy awareness, and communication between the aircraft involved. While both flights ultimately concluded safely, the overflight of a commercial jet by a landing light aircraft on an active runway highlights the razor-thin margins that sometimes separate routine operations from potentially far more dangerous outcomes.
