- Monitor and direct the movement of aircraft on the ground and in the air, using radar, computers, or visual references;

- Control all ground traffic at airports, including baggage vehicles and airport workers;

- Manage communications by transferring control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accepting control of arriving flights;

- Provide information to pilots, such as weather updates, runway closures, and other critical information; and

- Alert airport response staff, in the event of an aircraft emergency.

Air traffic controllers' primary concern is safety, but they also must direct aircraft efficiently to minimize delays. They manage the flow of aircraft into and out of the airport airspace, guide pilots during takeoff and landing, and monitor aircraft, as they travel through the skies.

Controllers usually manage multiple aircraft at the same time and must make quick decisions to ensure the safety of the aircraft. For example, a controller might direct one aircraft on its landing approach, while providing another aircraft with weather information.

Adapted from: ttps://collegegrad.com/careers/air-traffic-controllers