B737 flight crew reported after pushback there was inadequate clearance for a taxiing A350 to pass safely. Flight crew shut down both engines and was pushed back further to allow the A350 to taxi past.

Date: 2024-04 · Aircraft: B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model · Phase: taxi

Anomalies: atc-issue-all-types|conflict-ground-conflict|critical|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|ground-incursion-taxiway

Synopsis

B737 flight crew reported after pushback there was inadequate clearance for a taxiing A350 to pass safely. Flight crew shut down both engines and was pushed back further to allow the A350 to taxi past.

Narrative

Pushed off of gate XX and initially given instruction to taxi to Runway XXR at intersection 1 via [Taxiways] 2 an 3. We were then instructed to taxi 2 4 1; which was then amended to [Taxiway] 2 short of 4. ATC informed us we would be holding short of 4 due to spacing over ZZZZZ intersection. ATC instructed Airline Y (A350) to taxi via 4. As they approached our intersection; Airline Y thankfully stopped and when spacing seemed questionable. Airport operations was dispatched to the taxiway and wing walkers were going to attempt to provide spacing for aircraft movement. After unclear communication and general discomfort of the situation; the Captain elected to not move the aircraft and instead utilize the dispatched Tug via Company operations. We received clearance from Ground and with both engine shut down proceeded to push back further on Taxiway 2; providing more than adequate spacing for the A350 to continue taxing. Upon disconnect and engine start; we continued to Runway XXR without incident.

Second reporter narrative

Taxiing to XXL/with Ground instructed us to taxi 2 3; then revised to [Taxiways] 2 4 1; then revised to 2 hold short 4. We were the only aircraft near XXL but as soon as we turned onto 2 we stopped the aircraft well short of 4. We inquired why the delay as we could have easily taxied straight to the runway and ground said it was for enroute spacing. Ground then cleared an Airline Y A350 to taxi via 4. As they approached our parked aircraft it became apparent they would not have adequate clearance between our nose and their left wing. Thankfully they stopped; however by the time they stopped they were too close for either aircraft to safely move. ZZZ Ground dispatched an airport operations vehicle to act as a wing walker but they simply tried to marshall us even closer without a good view of either wing. Additionally our engines or left main gear would have taken out taxiway markers had I followed the airport operations instructions. I refused to taxi any closer and instead ZZZ Company operations quickly dispatched a move team to the aircraft and we shut down; were pushed back enough to safely allow the Airline Y A350 to pass by; and then restarted and taxied out and departed without incident.

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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.