The Role of Crisis Management Training in Reducing Air Traffic Control Problems

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the role of crisis management training in reducing air traffic control problems and to clarify its effects on preparedness, decision-making, emergency response, organizational coordination, and operational safety. This systematic review examined library-based and empirical studies concerning crisis management training and air traffic control published between 2020 and 2026. Relevant studies were searched in international and national databases, including Scopus, ISC, ISI, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, SID, Civilica, Magiran, and Irandoc. Studies were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, including topical relevance, availability of the full text, publication language, and consistency with the research objective. Following the screening and eligibility assessment process, 14 studies meeting the required criteria were included in the final synthesis. The synthesis of evidence indicated that crisis management training was associated with enhanced individual and organizational preparedness, improved decision-making under pressure, faster and more accurate emergency responses, and a reduced likelihood of human error. Systematic and scenario-based training also contributed to the standardization of operational behavior, stronger coordination among air traffic control units, improved professional communication, and fewer fragmented or inconsistent decisions during emergencies. The reviewed evidence further suggested that greater crisis awareness and preparedness, enhanced capability for anticipating and detecting threats at an early stage, improved operational resilience, and technology-supported training could reduce the severity, scope, and duration of aviation-related disruptions. Crisis management training should be considered a strategic component of safety management and professional competency development in air traffic control systems rather than a supplementary educational activity. Its effectiveness is likely to increase when training programs are continuous, scenario-based, realistic, and adapted to local and operational requirements. Integrating crisis management training into the core education of air traffic controllers may reduce operational problems by transforming knowledge into effective action, minimizing human error, strengthening interunit coordination, improving preventive capacity, and increasing operational resilience, thereby contributing to safer and more reliable air traffic management.