A321
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 20000
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Distraction; Training / Qualification
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Procedure; Airport; Human Factors
After landing Runway XX; we taxied to the end of the runway and made a turn-around to back taxi on the runway as instructed by ATC. After we made our turn; but well prior to reaching the 'D' taxiway; the Tower Controller issued a 'CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF' clearance to an aircraft that was holding in position on Runway XX. (high wing turboprop) Both the First Officer and I immediately got on the radio telling them 'NOT TO TAKEOFF'. The ATC Controller then issued the 'CANCEL YOUR TAKEOFF CLEARANCE' to the aircraft. ATC Controller lost situation awareness. Don't put an aircraft into position for takeoff until the runway is clear of all back-taxiing aircraft.
A321 Captain reported ATC issued takeoff clearance while previous traffic was back taxiing on the runway.