What is the primary purpose of air traffic control?

The primary purpose of air traffic control is to manage air traffic and ensure safe flight operations. This involves coordinating the movement of aircraft both in the airspace and on the ground to prevent collisions and maintain safe separation between flights. Air traffic controllers monitor radar and radio communications to provide guidance and instructions to pilots regarding altitude, speed, and routing. Their role is critical in maintaining an orderly flow of aircraft, particularly in busy airspaces and at airports, where the potential for accidents is higher due to the concentration of traffic.

While providing flight information and weather updates is indeed part of an air traffic controller's responsibilities, these services are secondary to the overarching goal of safety and traffic management. Assisting with aircraft maintenance issues and offering navigation assistance are not primary functions of air traffic control. The focus is strictly on ensuring aviation safety through effective traffic management.