Co-pilot Ann Cole noticed the runway was not clear and steered the aircraft back up in the air. After it circled around for the second landing attempt, the pilots manage to complete the touch-down safely.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were joined by around 100 people on board as they travelled from Tonga to Australia. Among their fellow passengers were the couple's staff, police officers and dozens of journalists, who reported on the landing drama via Twitter.
I will be Happy when that tour is over and you are all back home in London 🙏🏾
— Penny (@Penny75637189) October 26, 2018
Missed approach for the Royal Charter back into Sydney. Another plane on the runway getting in the way. So we're coming around again ✈️
— James Longman (@JamesAALongman) October 26, 2018
A chance to see this spectacular view twice ✅ #MeghanandHarry pic.twitter.com/kmFOVl1MR4
We're back in Sydney! A little drama on the approach as the captain of our @qantas charter Nigel Rosser made a "missed approach" as a plane was still on the runway at Sydney and he pulled us up very quickly. We came back & did it all again!Man with the window seat @JamesAALongman pic.twitter.com/g0liSsht6b
— Emily Andrews (@byEmilyAndrews) October 26, 2018
WATCH as flight carrying Duke & Duchess of Sussex aborts landing into Sydney. @qantas pilot says reason was another plane on the runway — and sees the positives… "You'll get another great view of the harbour". #RoyalTour #HarryandMeghan pic.twitter.com/TLWA76vIuO
— Simon Atkinson (@atko1978) October 26, 2018
After the aborted landing, the captain Nigel Rosser addressed the passengers, explaining the pilots' decision.
"It was a missed approach. There was an aircraft on the runway that was a little bit slow to roll and unfortunately hadn't cleared the runway. We were too close and the decision was made to abort the landing. So for the second time today you'll get great views of the harbor. We'll get you there safely as soon as possible," the captain said.
The royal couple's tour to will continue following a stop in Australia. On Sunday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to travel to New Zealand.
