Context: With the idea of One nation, one airspace, India has initiated Project ISHAN (Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management) at Nagpur. 

• This project aims to enhance the capacity of the aviation industry to handle the increasing domestic passenger numbers, which has been predicted to double by 2030.

About Project ISHAN

• About Project ISHAN: It is an integration initiative which seek to merge India’s four Flight Information Regions (FIRs) in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai into one airspace around Nagpur.

• In aviation, a flight information region (FIR) is a specified region of airspace in which a flight information service and an alerting service (ALRS) are provided.

• Aim: The aim behind the initiative is to reduce carbon footprint, enhance safety, and reduce aircraft fuel usage.

• Advantages: A single flight information region (FIR) created as part of Project ISHAN would offer numerous advantages in terms of safety, efficiency, user satisfaction, reduced carbon footprint, and optimal manpower utilization.

• Challenges in implementing the ISHAN Initiative: There are several challenges in implementation such as standardization of technology, revision of procedures, and formulation of new policies.

• For the better implementation of ISHAN initiative, there will be requirement of Uniform technology implementation across all regions, comprehensive retraining of air traffic control officers, policy reforms and updates to accommodate new processes and technologies.

What's the arrangement at present?

• Currently, Indian airspace is divided into four flight information regions (FIRs) in Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and a sub-FIR in Guwahati each managed separately.

Key facts about Airports Authority of India (AAI)

• It is a statutory body under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.

• It was constituted by an Act of Parliament and came into being on 1st April 1995, by merging the erstwhile National Airports Authority and the International Airports Authority of India.

• It is entrusted with the responsibility of creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation infrastructure both on the ground and in air space in the country.

• It also provides Air Traffic Management Services(ATMS) over the entire Indian Air Space and adjoining oceanic areas, with ground installations at all airports, and 25 other locations to ensure the safety of aircraft operations.