Air traffic controllers
pack bags for Baghdad

AIR Force air traffic controllers will be sent to Iraq to help run Baghdad International Airport, Defence Minister Senator Robert Hill has announced.

The Government has agreed to send 12 air traffic controllers, who will travel to Baghdad to manage traffic control as the tempo increases at the airport.

In making the announcement, Senator Hill said the contribution of air traffic controllers was another example of the ADF supporting niche roles in Iraq.

“Obviously the orderly flow of support aircraft into the major cities of Iraq is going to be critically important in achieving the humanitarian and rehabilitation outcomes that we would like in a short period of time,” he said. “And that’s why we’ve decided to support that particular niche capability.”

Technical support personnel will accompany the 12 controllers as part of an Air Traffic Control Element.

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