Faced with an escalating need for air traffic controllers due to the rapid increase in airports in the country and slow recruitment, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has asked the aviation safety regulator to revise rules on their duty hours so that their rest periods can be shortened.
In order to comply with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's rules on "watch duty limitations and rest requirements", the AAI as the provider of air traffic services needs 40% more personnel for 2022 than its current strength of 3,163 personnel. In 2023, it will need 5,131 ATCOs, or 60% more than the present numbers, and in 2024, it will need 5,428, or 70% more officers, according to a government official.
Also read | Air traffic controllers overworked, understaffed
