Indian Aviation Safety in Question: Delhi ATC’s AMSS Failure Sparks Concern
A recent technical failure at Delhi Air Traffic Control (ATC) has sparked a crisis in the skies. The Air Traffic Controllers’ Guild is sounding the alarm, urging authorities to take swift action after the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) malfunctioned between November 6 and 8, 2025. This breakdown left passengers stranded and raised serious doubts about aviation safety standards.
The Guild’s letter to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu reveals a deep concern for the well-being of both travelers and aviation professionals. They argue that system failures like this are not just technical issues but represent a broader problem with India’s aviation infrastructure and preparedness. But here’s where it gets controversial—the Guild claims that this incident exposes a lack of commitment to aviation safety and modernization.
The AMSS failure, they argue, is symptomatic of larger systemic issues. The system, supplied by ECIL, had long exceeded its supported validity period, and the necessary upgrades and replacements were delayed. This resulted in a complete breakdown, requiring direct ECIL intervention for restoration. The Guild insists that this is a clear oversight in system maintenance and replacement, and not merely an operational error.
This incident has far-reaching implications. The Guild warns that such failures could significantly hinder India’s ambition to become a global aviation leader. They highlight the potential impact on passenger safety and operational efficiency, especially with the growing air traffic in major cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru. And this is the part most people miss—the Guild suggests that the automation systems under consideration for these airports may not be up to the task.
To address these concerns, the Guild proposes several measures. Firstly, they request a comprehensive investigation into the AMSS failure, holding officials accountable to prevent future occurrences. Secondly, they advocate for lifecycle maintenance contracts with renowned firms like Thales, Raytheon, Indra, Honeywell, ECIL, and BEL to enhance system reliability. Lastly, they call for the establishment of redundancy systems, including parallel AMSS setups and modern automation tools, to fortify India’s Air Navigation Services.
In conclusion, the Guild’s plea for immediate reforms is a call to action for the aviation industry. The incident at Delhi ATC serves as a stark reminder that aviation safety and efficiency are non-negotiable. Are these concerns justified? Should the aviation authorities be held to a higher standard? Share your thoughts in the comments below!