What is the primary purpose of Air Traffic Control (ATC)?

The primary purpose of Air Traffic Control (ATC) is to prevent a collision. This core function encompasses the safety of aircraft in flight as well as during takeoff and landing. ATC achieves this by providing essential guidance and instructions to pilots, helping them navigate airspace safely, and ensuring proper separation between aircraft. The focus of ATC is on maintaining an organized and safe flow of air traffic, which is crucial for minimizing risks and ensuring the safety of all airborne operations.

While managing air traffic and conducting air traffic management are significant components of ATC operations, the ultimate goal remains the active prevention of collisions, thereby prioritizing safety above all else. Factors like ensuring passenger comfort or managing airport facilities, while important in the overall context of air travel, do not reflect the primary responsibility of Air Traffic Control itself, which is fundamentally safety-oriented.