Indian air traffic control is undergoing a significant change that will enhance efficiency and capacity. Starting from 1st January, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) will allow air traffic controllers to decrease the lateral separation between two aircraft from 10 nautical miles to 5 nautical miles. This change is made possible by the AAI’s improved surveillance capabilities, thanks to the modernization of navigation radars and technology.
The reduction in lateral separation will not only increase airspace capacity by more than 40% but also provide airlines with access to more direct and fuel-efficient routes, according to an ET report. This development comes at a time when Indian airlines are placing record aircraft orders, anticipating a surge in air travel demand. Civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has stated that the number of Indian aircraft has increased by 75% since FY14 and is expected to double to 1,500 over the next five years.
