Keg;
2. How congested was the SMC frequency for the JQ crew to call 'holding short' of the bay? I've had numerous occasions in MEL where I can't get a word in to request taxi (or advise holding short) due to SMC also reading our an airways clearance and so on. It would indeed be a tragedy if this prang was contributed to by lack of ATCOs.
I arrived at MEL shortly before this happened. Despite rwys 34 and 27 being duty rays, 27 was doing it all. There was huge congestion physically and on SMC. Garuda was doing it's own thing, and taxying wherever they wanted, AirAsia forgot to park, and needed to be pushed 3m back, JitConnect didn't know where they were parked and China Eastern were just happy to be here.
We spent over 20 minutes getting from clear or 27 and onto the bay... It was busy.