What is the primary purpose of air traffic control?

The primary purpose of air traffic control is to prevent collisions between aircraft in the air and on the ground. This responsibility is crucial for ensuring the safety of all flight operations. Air traffic controllers use a variety of tools, such as radar, radio communication, and flight data, to monitor aircraft positions and movements. They provide timely instructions and clearances to pilots, helping to maintain safe distances between aircraft, manage flight paths, and facilitate orderly takeoffs and landings. The expectations for air traffic control encompass not only safety but also efficiency in the use of airspace, contributing to the overall smooth operation of aviation.

The other options, while important in their own contexts, do not align with the core mission of air traffic control. Coordinating refreshments and managing baggage handling are responsibilities that fall under airport services and operations, while supervising airport security relates to protecting passengers and facilities, focusing on security rather than the direct safety of flight operations.