Air traffic controllers 'guide us home' safely

KARACHI:

"We guide you home" is the motto of air traffic controllers across the world. That's true. They are the one responsible for making air travel safe.

Air traffic control is a vital component of the aviation industry, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft through the airspace system. The control involves the monitoring, directing, and guiding of aircraft, both on the ground as well as in the air.

Today, 'International Day of Air Traffic Controllers' is being observed across the world, including in Pakistan. To mark this day, ceremonies will be held at airports worldwide to honour air traffic controllers.

Besides handling takeoffs and landings, Pakistan's air traffic controllers provide technical support and guidance to aircraft using Pakistani airspace through voice communications.

According to Asif Rasool, President of Pakistan Air Traffic Controllers Guild, Pakistani air traffic controllers work 24/7 to guarantee a safe air travel experience. Air traffic controllers work in various capacities, including in Flight Information Centre, Area Approach Control, Control Tower, and as radar personnel. They work across 22 airports of the country, ensuring professional excellence in flight operations.

Pakistan's air traffic controllers play a vital role in ensuring the safe passage of hundreds of aircraft that take off, land, or pass through Pakistani airspace daily. Many of these aircraft are headed to other countries but use Pakistan's airspace, and it is the air traffic controllers' responsibility to provide navigation facilities to these planes.