Short-staffed ATC to finally induct 200 personnel

After being stuck for more than a year, Air Traffic Control (ATC), which is facing staff shortage of over 50%, is finally expected to induct more than 200 personnel, a majority in Mumbai. ATC officials had said due to the shortage, Mumbai airspace was becoming increasingly unsafe.

"The hiring is expected to start by November," said DK Behera, president of of Air Traffic Controllers' Guild.

Aviation industry experts said though the number of air passengers in India has seen a manifold increase in the last decade, the sector remains grossly understaffed, which could lead to disasters.

Officers from the Air Navigation Service had then written to the civil aviation ministry last year about the manpower crunch, requesting that it be addressed urgently.