New Delhi: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is facing a tough time managing flights all over the country, with acute shortage of air traffic controllers (ATCs) — who maintain safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic. “There is a shortage of ATCs and AAI is working on the hiring process,” a civil aviation ministry official said. AAI, which is under the ministry of civil aviation is responsible for creating, managing and maintaining aviation infrastructure in the country.
In March, two flights by Etihad Airways and Emirates had a near miss as they were just 1,000 feet apart. There have been several instances like this, mostly in Mumbai and Delhi — the busiest airports. Experts said ATCs are overworked, and that might be a cause behind these incidents.
It has also been reported that the shortage in controllers has led to flight delays, especially in Mumbai. Mumbai alone needs another 190 controllers. What comes as an additional burden is that between 2017 and 2018, another 10% of ATCs are likely to retire, adding to the shortage.
11/08/15 Sunny Sen/Financial Express
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In March, two flights by Etihad Airways and Emirates had a near miss as they were just 1,000 feet apart. There have been several instances like this, mostly in Mumbai and Delhi — the busiest airports. Experts said ATCs are overworked, and that might be a cause behind these incidents.
It has also been reported that the shortage in controllers has led to flight delays, especially in Mumbai. Mumbai alone needs another 190 controllers. What comes as an additional burden is that between 2017 and 2018, another 10% of ATCs are likely to retire, adding to the shortage.
11/08/15 Sunny Sen/Financial Express
