A320 flight crew reported a critical ground conflict while taxiing to the gate. ATC cleared the flight crew to cross but there was another aircraft that was taking off on the runway prior to the intersection.
Synopsis
A320 flight crew reported a critical ground conflict while taxiing to the gate. ATC cleared the flight crew to cross but there was another aircraft that was taking off on the runway prior to the intersection.
Narrative
Aircraft X; landed [Runway] XXL; exited Taxiway 1; possibly [Taxiway] 2; clear of runway; Tower instructed us to hold short of [Runway] XXR at [Taxiway] 3. As I was making a slow turn at [Taxiway] 3 to hold short of [Runway] XXR; Tower cleared us to cross [Runway] XXR at [Taxiway] 3. FO (First Officer) cleared right; I cleared left visually and verbalized; turned appropriate lights on; and intentionally did not disarm speed brakes to prevent FO from being distracted with after-landing flow. As we crossed the hold bars and I gained a better perspective to our right; of potential traffic on [Runway] XXR; Tower told us to hold position and I nearly simultaneously saw an aircraft approaching; potentially taking off; on [Runway] XXR. We of course immediately stopped. I quickly thought about reversing; but we had one reverser inoperative; and although across the hold bars; we were clear of the actual runway surface. Also; the departing aircraft was a narrow body; so geometrically a collision shouldn't occur. After the departing aircraft became airborne; Tower cleared us to cross again; and we confirmed they had initially cleared us to cross; which they confirmed.
Second reporter narrative
Aircraft X. Upon landing on Runway XXL; we exited the runway at Taxiway 1 and were instructed by ATC to hold short [Runway] XXR at [Taxiway] 3. We did. Shortly after; ATC cleared us to cross [Runway] XXR at [Taxiway] 3. Both the Captain and I looked to make sure the runway was clear. On my side; I saw the lights of an aircraft at the end of the runway that appeared to be waiting - line up and wait. We started moving forward slowly at that time. Then I saw the aircraft appear to be moving; and at the same time; the controller told us to stop. By this time; we were past the hold-short line; but still short of the runway edge line. Too close for comfort; however. The departing aircraft lifted off prior to our intersection. Shortly after; ATC cleared us a second time to cross. I clarified with them that they cleared us to cross previously and they confirmed 'yes.' After that; we taxied to the gate uneventfully.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.