Project Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management (ISHAN) is a major initiative launched by the Government of India to integrate the country's 4 airspace zones into a single.
- The project aims to streamline air traffic management and increase efficiency of the aviation sector.
Key Components of Project ISHAN:
- The ISHAN initiative is aimed at streamlining and modernising air traffic management in India.
- The project involves consolidating the 4 existing Flight Information Regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai into a single, continuous airspace headquartered in Nagpur.
- The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is responsible for managing the project and has invited expressions of interest (EoIs) for the preparation of a detailed project report.
Current Airspace Arrangements in India:
- At present, Indian airspace is divided into 4 separate Flight Information Regions (FIRs) in Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Chennai, along with a sub-FIR in Guwahati.
- These FIRs are managed independently, which can lead to inefficiencies and congestion.
Significance of Project ISHAN:
- Project ISHAN is expected to streamline operations, increase capacity, and reduce congestion in Indian airspace.
- This will benefit airlines and passengers by reducing flight delays and improving overall travel experience.
Key Facts about the Airports Authority of India (AAI):
- AAI is a statutory body under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
- AAI is responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation infrastructure in India, both on the ground and in the airspace.
- AAI also provides Air Traffic Management Services (ATMS) over the entire Indian Air Space and adjoining oceanic areas.