How do you solve a problem like Sydney?

How do you solve a problem like Sydney?

Author: Momentum Media August 19, 2026 Duration: 45:07

Another week, another hair-raising near mishap at Sydney Airport, this time with a Virgin 737 almost taking off as a Qantas plane was crossing the runway ahead of it. Airservices has again come under the magnifying glass for the incident – so, what happened?

More importantly, with air traffic controllers still feeling the squeeze and hundreds of flights passing through Sydney every day, how can it be fixed? Can new technologies help bolster safety on the tarmac at Australia's busiest gateway – and what about Western Sydney?

On this week's Australian Aviation Podcast, Jake and David dissect the ongoing struggles at Sydney Airport and ask what can be done about them.

Plus, speaking of Sydney, the airport's new Master Plan has been given the stamp of approval – and what's happening with slots?


You'll find the Australian Aviation Podcast Network right at the intersection of runway tarmac and boardroom strategy. Produced by Momentum Media, this collection of shows digs into the stories that define flight in this part of the world, moving well beyond the headlines. Each episode feels like a hangar chat with the people who know the industry best-pilots, engineers, executives, and analysts-offering a grounded perspective on everything from the engineering marvels of new aircraft to the complex logistics of running an airline. We explore the sheer joy and freedom of recreational flying just as deeply as the tough commercial decisions that keep the sector aloft. Whether it's a discussion on sustainable fuel technologies, the revival of regional routes, or the history behind a beloved aircraft type, the conversation is always driven by genuine curiosity. Tune in for clear, informed talk that connects the dots between the business of aviation and the passion that fuels it, all delivered with a distinct Aussie lens. This podcast network is for anyone who feels that lift of anticipation when an aircraft throttles down the runway, or who simply wants to understand the forces that shape how we connect across this vast continent and beyond.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 50

Australian Aviation Podcast Network
Podcast Episodes
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When we think of safety concerns in aviation, it's easy to become fixated on the mechanical issues – but the human factor is also a major issue, and stress and burnout in such a high-pressure industry can only make it wo…
Robinson's helicopter revolution [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:09
For 50 years it's been one of the most popular civil helicopter companies in the world, with more than 15,000 aircraft delivered around the globe – and Robinson is a household name among Australian buyers, too, thanks to…
Here comes the (Project) Sun(rise) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:26
After much anticipation, Qantas has revealed the first destination for Project Sunrise – and in case there was any doubt, it's London, with flights from Sydney to start next October in the next evolution of the 80-year-o…
Western Sydney Airport spools up its engines [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:03
It's been a long, hard road for Western Sydney International Airport, but after decades of the can being kicked down that road, the wait is finally almost over: Sydney's newest gateway will open its doors to freight next…
What will replace the A380? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:01
After almost 20 years in service, the end is approaching for Qantas' fleet of Airbus A380 superjumbos, with the Flying Kangaroo slated to retire the aircraft type in the 2030s in favour of smaller and more efficient wide…
The buzz on drones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:01
It's been a big week for drones, with news that Wing has quietly pulled its drone delivery operations from Australia, Vivid Sydney has pulled its drone show after 89 of them not-so-quietly fell in Darling Harbour, and Au…
The long wait for Sunrise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:31
If the darkest hour is just before the dawn, it's going to be a long night for anyone looking to fly non-stop from the east coast to London or New York – yet another delay has pushed back the launch of Qantas' 22-hour "P…
Will Australia have its own 'Ryanair'? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:00
t's been two years since the collapse of Bonza and Rex – and while Koala Airlines is yet to launch, another aviation contender could be entering the market before long. Dubbed Zinc Airlines, the ultra-low-cost-carrier wo…
Is it worth complaining about flight delays? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:33
We've all been delayed at the airport at some point, or know someone who has – but still, to learn that 55 per cent of Aussie travellers in a recent government survey were hit by a flight delay or disruption between Augu…