An air traffic controller at Ajaccio Airport has been indicted following a serious incident in which he fell asleep while on duty. On September 15, an Air Corsica flight arriving from Paris was forced to circle anxiously above the sea for around twenty minutes, unable to establish contact with the control tower. This lapse in communication not only caused significant distress to passengers and crew but also posed a serious safety risk during a critical phase of flight.

The court's decision to indict the controller comes after an appeal was made by the Ajaccio prosecutor's office, which sought a more serious charge than his initial status as an 'assisted witness.' Prosecutor Nicolas Septe confirmed that the indictment relates to "endangering the lives of others." This shift highlights the severity of the negligence and its potential implications for air traffic safety protocols in France.

The case raises important questions about the responsibilities of air traffic controllers and the measures in place to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. As investigations continue, the aviation community will be paying close attention to the repercussions, which may lead to stricter regulations and oversight aimed at ensuring the safety of air travel, particularly in high-stress environments such as busy airports.