The Airport Authority of India (AAI) is set to recruit a large number of air traffic control officers (ATCOs) by filling almost 80% of vacant posts in the coming six months. Currently, there are over 500 positions left to be filled.
In a recent report published by Mint reflects shortage of air traffic controllers in India, with 3,692 ATCOs on active duty against the required current strength of 4,211. This means that 519 more personnel are required to keep operations smooth.
The report quotes an official: “Given the size of aircraft order that have been placed by Indian airlines and the growth potential, it is expected that the hiring of various key personnel including air traffic controllers will be ramped up over the next two years as they are a critical component for aviation infrastructure. In addition, they will also be needed as the government is planning to expand flight operations at Tier-2,3 cities as well.”
The AAI has also asked some retired controllers to come back as consultants until adequately experienced controllers can be placed.
Apart from ATCOs, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is also planning to increase its workforce in anticipation of a greater workload in the coming years. The DGCA plans to hire 1,000 employees by 2030, increasing the count to 1,600-1,700 from its current strength of nearly 650 people.
DGCA needs mire staff to bolster its surveillance capabilities and maintain a good safety record in the country, with the Indian skies will only get busier in the coming years.