lufttrafikledningstjänster

Lufttrafikledning, or air traffic control (ATC), is the system and profession that manages aircraft in the air and on the ground to prevent collisions, maintain orderly flow, and provide information and assistance to pilots. ATC coordinates the movement of aircraft across different segments of airspace and is essential for safety and efficiency in both domestic and international aviation.

ATC is typically organized into three main functional areas. Tower control handles ground operations and immediate airport airspace, including clearance for taxiing, takeoff, and landing. Approach and departure control manages aircraft as they enter or leave the terminal area, guiding them through the vicinity of the aerodrome. En route control centers oversee aircraft on longer, high-altitude routes, coordinating traffic between regions and countries.

Controllers issue instructions, clearances, and weather information, monitor radio communications and surveillance data, and coordinate with neighboring sectors and agencies. They rely on aeronautical data, flight plans, and weather reports to maintain safe separation and optimize traffic flow. Services may also include flight information, alerting, and, in some systems, advisory assistance for visual flight rules (VFR) traffic.

Technology supporting ATC includes radar and transponder surveillance, automatic dependent surveillance, data-link communications, and computerized flight data systems. International standards for ATC are largely governed by ICAO, with national authorities or state-owned providers implementing them. In some countries, dedicated entities such as air navigation service providers oversee ATC responsibilities, including safety, efficiency, and modernization efforts.