India is embarking on a transformative initiative to overhaul its air traffic management systems. The nation aims to merge its existing four Flight Information Regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, into a single consolidated airspace.
This unified command center, named the Indian Single Sky Harmonized ATM (ISHAN), will be strategically headquartered in Nagpur, leveraging its central position within the country.
The implementation of ISHAN carries the promise of a multitude of benefits for India's aviation industry. Notably, experts anticipate heightened safety protocols, a decline in carbon emissions, and the establishment of more fuel-efficient flight routes.
These enhancements will be accomplished through the meticulous optimization of airspace utilization, the careful reduction of separations between flights, and the adoption of streamlined trajectories.
Spearheading this effort, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to meticulously evaluate the practicality of ISHAN.
This report will also conduct in-depth research into cutting-edge technologies sourced from both domestic and international markets, ensuring the project utilizes the most effective technological solutions.
India's commitment to this modernization highlights its position as a crucial air navigation service provider within the Asia-Pacific region. The country's four FIRs, along with a sub-FIR in Guwahati, currently govern more than 2.8 million square nautical miles of airspace.
Given India's airspace agreements with twelve neighboring countries, a streamlined and modernized air traffic management system is of paramount importance.
