B767 crew reported a conflict with another aircraft after receiving clearance to push-back. Push-back crew made an abrupt stop and pulled forward to give way to other aircraft entering the ramp area.
Synopsis
B767 crew reported a conflict with another aircraft after receiving clearance to push-back. Push-back crew made an abrupt stop and pulled forward to give way to other aircraft entering the ramp area.
Narrative
All pre-departure operations and checks were normal and uneventful.Once ready for pushback; the FO (First Officer) called for push 'fully ready from stand.' Ground Control told Aircraft X to hold the push and they would call us back. Hold the push was relayed to the ground crew. After approximately three to five minutes; we were told; 'Aircraft X cleared to push; face South.' The FO read back; 'Aircraft X cleared to push; face south.' There was no mention of traffic entering the alley or any instructions to give way to entering traffic. The view of the entrance to the ramp area was obstructed to the flight crew due to aircraft at the adjacent gates. After the push crew started the push the FO noticed a Airbus 350 or 330 taxing into the gate area approaching from aircraft right to left. At the same time; the tug driver noticed the traffic approaching behind the aircraft; stopped the push; and pulled the aircraft forward back towards the gate. The tug driver told us they stopped the push due to the taxiing traffic and asked if we were told about it. We told him we were not told about nor aware of entering traffic. After the FO queried the ground controller; we were told the traffic was cleared; and we were cleared to push face south. There may have been some controller confusion due to similar call signs. While starting the first engine; the ground controller asked; 'Aircraft X; are you ready to taxi?'. After we replied that we were not; the controller asked another aircraft in a corrected tone.
Second reporter narrative
ATC cleared us to push facing south which was read back by the FO. During the push back the tug driver abruptly halted and stated; that an airbus was taxiing behind us. The FO called ground back and asked if we were still cleared for push. This prompted ATC to state that we are now cleared for push
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.