On November 26, 2024, Sydney Airport experienced significant disruption when the pilots of Jetstar flight JQ27, operating a Boeing 787-8 (Reg. VH-VKH) from Sydney (SYD) to Phuket (HKT), requested a priority landing after one of the aircraft's wheels was damaged during takeoff from Runway 34L. The incident prompted an immediate closure of the main runway at Sydney's busiest airport for approximately 30 minutes to facilitate the aircraft's safe return and subsequent runway inspection.
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The flight, which had departed Sydney at around 3:20 PM local time, landed back at the airport at 5:00 PM after the pilots noted the issue with the aircraft's wheel. The decision to return was made to ensure the safety of all 193 passengers and 12 crew members on board. The aircraft, registered as VH-VKH, was met by emergency services as a precaution when it landed, showcasing the swift response by Sydney Airport's operations team to such incidents. The runway closure, while brief, led to the delay of other flights, with Sydney Airport officials quickly working to reopen the runway after confirming it was safe for use. "Our main runway was closed for approximately 30 minutes to allow the aircraft to land, get towed to a gate, and for a runway inspection to take place," a Sydney Airport spokeswoman explained. Normal operations resumed shortly thereafter, though some delays persisted into the evening.
Jetstar engineers are now investigating what caused the wheel damage. The airline issued an apology to affected passengers, stating, "Our pilots requested a priority landing and emergency services met the aircraft as a precaution. One of the aircraft’s 10 wheels was damaged during take-off, and our engineers are investigating the cause."
This incident highlights the rapid decision-making required by pilots and air traffic control in emergencies, ensuring that safety protocols are adhered to, even if it means temporarily halting operations at one of Australia's major aviation hubs. The event also underscores the importance of aircraft maintenance and the potential for unexpected mechanical issues, even with modern fleets like the Boeing 787-8.