India To Unify Airspace Under Single Command For Enhanced Safety And Efficiency

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering efficiency, reducing emissions, and enhancing safety in its airspace, India has commenced a plan to consolidate its airspace under a single command.

The ambitious initiative seeks to streamline air traffic management by centralising control over the vast expanse of airspace covering over 2.8 million square nautical miles, currently divided into four regions.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has taken the first step by issuing a tender to appoint a consultant tasked with obtaining cutting-edge technology from global companies to facilitate the transition to a unified air traffic management process.

The comprehensive programme, which includes infrastructure setup, controller training, and migration to the new system, is expected to span up to eight years, according to officials.

Upon implementation, the single airspace strategy will enable airlines to optimise routes, resulting in significant time and fuel savings. With planes able to maintain consistent altitudes and smoother descents, fuel consumption will be reduced, contributing to environmental sustainability.

"A unified sky will alleviate the burden on air traffic controllers, with the majority of operations centralised in Nagpur. This will minimise coordination efforts and reduce stress and fatigue among controllers," explained a senior air traffic control official.

"Additionally, it will facilitate the restructuring of air routes, paving the way for more fuel-efficient options for airlines," reports Economic Times.

Pilots also anticipate benefits from the streamlined airspace management, noting that it will reduce cockpit workload by eliminating the need to switch radio frequencies multiple times to communicate with different regions.

The move comes at a time of rapid expansion in India's aviation sector, with a surge in aircraft orders and an anticipated increase in air travel demand. Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted a 75 per cent rise in the number of Indian aircraft since FY14, with projections indicating a doubling to 1,500 in the next five years.

Recognising the complexity of the project, the AAI has already undertaken phased initiatives, including the restructuring of the Chennai region in 2004 and the integration of the North East into the Kolkata region in 2021.

In recent years, the AAI has made significant investments in modernising radar equipment and implementing advanced technologies such as automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast transponders. These enhancements have led to improved monitoring and surveillance coverage, bolstering safety measures across Indian airspace.