Delhi Airport Glitch: Air Traffic Controllers Claim Warnings Were Ignored
A major technical failure at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Friday, which delayed over 800 flights, was reportedly foreseen by air traffic controllers who claim they had warned authorities months in advance.
Key Takeaways:
- Over 800 flights were delayed at Delhi airport due to an AMSS system failure.
- Air traffic controllers claim they had warned the AAI about outdated systems in July.
- The ATC Guild cited advanced systems used in Europe and the US as benchmarks.
Warnings Issued Months Before Failure
The ATC Guild of India had flagged the urgent need for upgrades to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) back in July. They emphasized that the existing automation systems were outdated and required immediate modernization.
The guild alleged their suggestions were not acted upon. Following the Ahmedabad Air India crash, they wrote to MPs on July 8, stressing that “it is essential that the automation systems used in air navigation services are reviewed and upgraded periodically.”
International Standards Recommended
The controllers pointed to advanced infrastructure employed by Europe’s Eurocontrol and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These systems utilize artificial intelligence, threat detection, and real-time data sharing to enhance aviation safety.
System Failure and Response
The technical glitch in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) caused significant flight disruptions. The AMSS provides crucial flight plans for air traffic controllers.
The AAI confirmed addressing the “technical issue in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS), which caused delays in processing flight plan messages.” A review meeting was conducted by the Civil Aviation Secretary on November 6, with necessary directions given to resolve the issue.
