KUWAIT CITY, Oct 19: Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) announced Sunday it will mark the International Day of the Air Traffic Controller on October 20, under the theme: “Recruitment and Training: Our Flight Plan for the Future.”

In a statement to KUNA, Acting Director General of PACA, Duaij Al-Otaibi, affirmed that Kuwait International Airport is committed to observing the annual occasion, which highlights the critical contributions of air traffic controllers to global aviation safety and efficiency.

Al-Otaibi stressed the importance of this day, which coincides with the anniversary of the founding of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA) on October 20, 1961.

He emphasized that air traffic controllers are a fundamental component of the aviation system, playing a vital role in maintaining the highest levels of safety and operational performance in air navigation.

Al-Otaibi revealed that Kuwait has recently achieved significant milestones in the development of its aviation infrastructure. Among the major accomplishments is the construction of a new runway, described as one of the most modern in the region, along with the installation of cutting-edge automatic landing systems and advanced radar technology.

Additionally, a new air traffic control tower—fully equipped with the latest systems to ensure smooth and safe air traffic operations—has been completed and is scheduled to open in the coming days. With the integration of the new runway and tower, operational mechanisms will also be upgraded to align with the enhanced capacity.

In line with its modernization goals, the Civil Aviation Authority has dispatched numerous young air traffic controllers to participate in specialized training courses aimed at building their expertise in managing advanced systems and keeping pace with evolving technologies in aviation.

Al-Otaibi also highlighted efforts to update take-off and landing data and to prepare new navigation charts in coordination with international aviation bodies and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The Acting Director General praised the strong backing of Kuwait’s political leadership, which he said plays a crucial role in driving the sector forward. He also lauded Sheikh Hamoud Mubarak Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah, President of the Civil Aviation Authority, for his dedicated efforts in advancing the air navigation system and enhancing operational efficiency.

Al-Otaibi reiterated that this support and investment contribute to raising Kuwait’s air traffic capacity, ensuring the sustainability and modernization of this vital sector.

The International Day of the Air Traffic Controller is observed globally every October 20, in appreciation of the pivotal role of air traffic controllers in ensuring flight safety and maintaining the seamless flow of airspace operations. The day serves as a reminder of their essential function within civil aviation systems worldwide.