Published on: Nov 09, 2025

New Delhi: Engineers overseeing India’s air navigation and air traffic management systems have raised serious concerns over the recent disruption at Delhi airport, attributing it not to manpower shortages but to systemic technology failures. In a strongly worded communication to the Civil Aviation Ministry, Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, and Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman Vipin Kumar, the Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel Association (ATSEPA–India) pointed to outdated equipment and underutilised technical personnel as key factors behind the incident.

The association, which represents engineers responsible for Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) systems, stated in an email on Sunday that the breakdown was a result of “technology failure, not manpower shortage.” ATSEPA specifically highlighted the obsolete Aeronautical Message Switching System (AMSS) used at Delhi airport, noting that it “lacks redundancy and modern capability,” leaving the air traffic control network vulnerable to disruptions.

“The recent operational disruptions at Delhi Airport have once again highlighted a long-standing and serious concern repeatedly raised by ATSEPA (India): the neglect of CNS infrastructure and the continuous sidelining of technical inputs provided by CNS engineers to AAI leadership,” the association wrote. It added that the crisis was “a direct consequence of over-reliance on automation without parallel strengthening of CNS infrastructure, manual procedures, and technical preparedness.”

The ATSEPA letter underlined a pattern of neglect in the maintenance and upgrade of core aviation technology, asserting that repeated warnings from CNS engineers had not been acted upon. “Instead of acknowledging these core issues, public attention has been misdirected toward ATCO manpower — even though ATCOs already have more than sufficient strength,” the letter said, referring to air traffic controllers whose numbers and training are adequate but who cannot compensate for outdated systems.

The association warned that failure to address these issues could lead to repeated operational disruptions at India’s busiest airport. Among its key recommendations, ATSEPA called for an immediate overhaul of CNS systems at major airports, priority funding for modernisation, and the inclusion of engineers’ technical input in all procurement and upgrade plans.

“Aviation safety today requires strong technology, competent technical manpower, and modern systems — not expansion of supervisory posts or narratives that shift focus away from real causes,” the email read. The engineers further urged the ministry to ensure optimal utilisation of CNS personnel by avoiding their deployment in non-technical or low-utility roles, stressing that operational stations must be staffed by personnel trained in CNS functions.

The association also highlighted systemic issues in operational practices. They noted that over-dependence on outdated automation and reluctance to use manual fallback procedures had contributed to avoidable errors. The engineers recommended that the Civil Aviation Ministry review these practices immediately to prevent similar disruptions in the future.

Yogendra Gautam, a representative of ATSEPA, reiterated that the organisation remained committed to working with the ministry to build a “reliable, modern, and resilient aviation infrastructure” for India. He stressed that upgrading technology and incorporating engineers’ inputs are crucial for ensuring safety and operational continuity at all airports.

The civil aviation ministry and the AAI have not immediately responded to ATSEPA’s letter. However, the communication underscores a growing concern among technical staff that critical decisions affecting the country’s airspace are often made without sufficient consultation with engineers who operate and maintain these systems daily.

Air traffic disruptions at Delhi airport have affected thousands of passengers in the past year, highlighting the vulnerability of the air navigation network. Aviation experts have previously pointed out that CNS infrastructure requires continual upgrades to keep pace with increasing air traffic and evolving technological standards. Failure to do so, they argue, poses risks not only to passenger convenience but also to aviation safety.

ATSEPA’s letter is likely to intensify scrutiny of the AAI’s management of technical resources and infrastructure. The association has called for a structured review of operational protocols, ensuring that CNS engineers are placed in positions where their expertise can be applied effectively and that modernization plans align with practical, on-ground operational needs.

By highlighting the gap between automation capabilities and technical preparedness, the engineers are effectively warning policymakers that reliance on automated systems without robust technical support is insufficient. They assert that prioritising modern, resilient infrastructure over administrative expansion is essential for India’s aviation sector to remain safe, reliable, and internationally competitive.

As India’s civil aviation sector continues to grow at a rapid pace, these concerns could not be more timely. Delhi airport, as the country’s primary international hub, handles thousands of flights daily, and any systemic failure in CNS infrastructure has the potential to disrupt operations nationwide. The engineers’ recommendations, if implemented, could provide long-term stability and reduce the risk of recurring operational crises.

The ATSEPA letter reflects broader issues within the civil aviation ecosystem, including resource allocation, technical governance, and the integration of skilled personnel in decision-making processes. Experts suggest that resolving these challenges is not just a matter of modernising hardware but also ensuring that experienced technical staff are empowered to make operational decisions, and that systemic procedures are continually updated to meet international safety standards.

While the immediate response from authorities is awaited, the engineers’ warning signals an urgent need for strategic investment in technology, careful planning, and inclusive decision-making to prevent future disruptions at India’s busiest airports.