Ground Control Under Strain: Air Traffic Controller Safety Alarms Raised

A parliamentary committee has raised alarms about the safety risks facing air traffic controllers in India, drawing attention to the 'normalisation of deviance' regarding their work hours. This deviance has led to controllers operating beyond mandated safety limits, exacerbating the risk of fatigue.

The Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture's report underscores the impact of persistent staff shortages on aviation safety. This shortage, compounded by routine exemptions, has forced controllers to operate without robust safeguards.

Recommendations include implementing a scientifically-based Fatigue Risk Management System, upgrading automation systems, and addressing the longstanding governance gap in air traffic control by appointing expert representation at the policy-making level.

(With inputs from agencies.)