Bengaluru mid-air scare: DGCA de-rosters 3 air traffic controllers; ‘strict enforcement action’ next

NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has off-rostered three air traffic controllers (ATCO) at Bengaluru airport who handled the two IndiGo flights which miraculously avoided a collision after being cleared to take off simultaneously in the same direction on January 7, 2022. The regulator has completed its preliminary inquiry and sources say “strict enforcement action” is likely soon. This could include licence suspension of the ATCOs found responsible for the lapse for some time.
Under the process of law to be followed, a show cause notice will be issued accordingly to those found responsible by the probe for the lapse to seek their explanation. In fact, say sources, there could be action by multiple agencies against the indicted.
“ATCOs are employees of Airports Authority of India (AAI) which can also take action against those found responsible for this serious lapse in the probe. The DGCA, which has oversight over ATCOs as the licensing authority, can additionally recommend action be taken against them by AAI,” say people in the know. Suspending the licence of an aviation professional like pilot or ATCO means financial losses too though lost income for the period they are unable to work.