Air Carrier flight crew reported they entered a Runway ATC cleared them to taxi across when they noticed another aircraft on short final executing a go-around maneuver.
Synopsis
Air Carrier flight crew reported they entered a Runway ATC cleared them to taxi across when they noticed another aircraft on short final executing a go-around maneuver.
Narrative
When we reported 'ready to taxi' at spot X; Ground Control cleared us 'Taxiway 1; Taxiway 2 to Runway XX cross Runway XY'. As we approached XY we cleared both ways and turned on the lights. At that same time Ground Control called us with instructions to follow behind a Learjet on Taxiway 3; other side of the Runway; to XXC. When we were well past the hold line and actually entering the Runway I looked left again and saw an aircraft on final for Runway XY. I added power to expedite our crossing and the aircraft on final executed a missed approach. Skies were overcast and Instrument approaches were in use. Runway XY was not listed as an active Runway on the ATIS. I believe there was miscommunication between the Ground Controller and the Tower Controller who may have been accommodating requests for that Runway to avoid thunderstorm activity in the area. Had I not been looking across the Runway for the traffic we were instructed to follow; I likely would have been looking left the whole time and may have picked up the traffic on approach sooner. Otherwise; better communication between Tower and Ground Control may need to be established when unusual Runway operations are being used.
Second reporter narrative
We received our taxi clearance at spot X on the ramp at ZZZ. Our clearance was Taxiway 1; Taxiway 2 to Runway XXC; cross Runway XY. We read back taxi instructions and proceeded on our route. As we neared Runway XY and prepared to cross and checked for traffic; Ground control notified us of a Learjet on Taxiway 3 near Taxiway 4. They instructed us to follow the Learjet as they passed us from left to right to Runway XXC. After confirming those instructions we were past the hold short line for Runway XY. When the Captain checked final again he noticed an aircraft on final to land XY. At that point we were already inside the hold short line and the Captain added thrust to expedite our taxi across the Runway. By that time the plane final had initiated a go around. We finished our taxi to Runway XXC with no further incidents. Nothing was said to us by Ground or Tower about the aircraft that went around. The current ATIS at that time advertised Runway XXC for departure and approach but no mention of using Runway XY. There were thunderstorms all around the airport at the time of our departure. My best guess is that the inbound aircraft landing on XY; requested Runway XY for weather avoidance. It seems there could have been better coordination between Ground and Tower as to what Runways were being used. The timing of Ground telling us to follow an aircraft across the Runway from which we were to cross took our full attention away from more thoroughly scanning for traffic as we approached and crossed a Runway. The ATIS didn't mention Runway XY being open closed or in use. That information could have been another level of safety and added awareness.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.