The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has directed the Airports Authority of India to overhaul watch briefings following a 2024 airprox incident. The report found that controllers relied too heavily on automated systems, failing to follow essential safety procedures during a conflict involving two Boeing 777 aircraft.
Detailed Coverage
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has issued a set of critical safety recommendations to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) following its investigation into an airprox incident that occurred on March 24, 2024. An airprox is a situation where the distance between two aircraft is considered unsafe. In this specific case, two Boeing 777 aircraft, operated by EL AL Israel Airlines and Qatar Airways, came dangerously close within the Mumbai Flight Information Region.
Procedural Failures and Automation Reliance
The AAIB’s 41-page investigation report identifies a pattern of non-adherence to safety-critical Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) among Duty Air Traffic Controllers (DATCOs). A primary concern highlighted by the bureau is the over-reliance of controllers on automated system alerts rather than traditional manual control techniques. Specifically, the report notes that controllers failed to adequately scan and update Flight Progress Strips, which are essential for manual conflict detection. The AAIB emphasized that automated systems should serve as a safety backup rather than a primary tool for managing air traffic, and the failure to maintain manual awareness of aircraft positions constituted a significant procedural gap.
Deficiencies in Shift Handover Protocols
Beyond the operational lapses during the conflict, the investigation scrutinized the Handing Over Watch (HOW) and Taking Over Watch (TOW) procedures—the formal process by which controllers transfer responsibility for active traffic. The report found that the controllers involved provided contradictory accounts of their briefings, suggesting that the existing methodology for shift handovers is ineffective or poorly understood. The AAIB has formally recommended that the AAI conduct an immediate evaluation of these protocols to ensure that communication during shift changes is standardized, documented, and effective.
Supervision and Training Oversight
The investigation also raised concerns regarding the quality of supervision provided to trainee controllers. According to the findings, a senior controller failed to supervise or discuss a developing traffic conflict with an on-the-job trainee at a critical moment. The AAIB report suggests that the Airports Authority of India needs to strengthen its on-the-job training (OJT) supervision framework to ensure that instructors maintain active oversight during high-pressure situations. Furthermore, the bureau noted that multiple duty controllers failed to detect the conflict until automated alerts were triggered. Moving forward, the effectiveness of the AAI's response in updating its training manuals, enforcing SOP adherence, and ensuring rigorous oversight during shift changes will be key monitorables for aviation safety regulators and stakeholders.