The School of Aviation at the Australian University (AU) Celebrated World Air Traffic Controller Day by participating in the official celebration hosted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on October 20, 2025.
The event aimed to emphasize on the critical role of Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) in national air safety. AU serves as the primary academic partner for the DGCA, training professionals not only in ATC, but across all interdependent disciplines, including Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Aviation and Airport Operations, and Logistics. This presence underscores the fact that modern aviation success depends entirely on a cohesive, highly skilled workforce developed through this strategic academic-operational partnership.
On This occasion, Captain Abdulhameed AlRefai – Senior Director – School of Aviation said: “Today is a vital reminder of the extraordinary responsibility held by Air Traffic Controllers. The School of Aviation is proud to stand with the DGCA in celebrating this essential profession. Our mission is to produce graduates who not only fill crucial roles but who set the industry benchmark for safety, professionalism, and innovation. By integrating advanced tools, such as simulator training, we ensure our curriculum remains aligned with the highest global standards, deepening the critical bond between academia and operational excellence to secure our students’ future as leaders of aviation safety.”
From his end, Mr. Meshal Al – Qenai – Adjunct ATC Faculty at AU and Head of Airport Control Tower & Ground Control Division (DGCA) commented: “Celebrating World Air Traffic Controller Day here at the DGCA highlights our absolute commitment to the mission: safety first, always. My dual role, both operating the Control Tower and teaching at the School of Aviation, provides a unique perspective. It proves the direct link between the ambitious standards taught in academia and the demanding reality of managing our national airspace. We are mentoring the professionals responsible for millions of lives, and this day reaffirms the joint commitment from the DGCA and the School of Aviation to maintain that unbroken chain of operational excellence.”
At last, Mr. Bassem Djedi, Deputy head of Aviation Academic Programs at AU expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the industry professionals and his colleagues. He added, saying: “The World Air Traffic Controller Day initiative by the DGCA powerfully reinforces a fundamental truth: modern aviation success rests on the skill, precision, and collaboration of highly trained professionals across all disciplines. This celebration is a vital reminder to our students—from future ATC specialists and Aircraft Engineers to Airport Operators—of our single, integrated mission: ensuring the safety and fluidity of the skies.”
