How should ATC respond to two aircraft on a collision course?

When two aircraft are on a collision course, immediate avoidance instructions are necessary to ensure the safety of all parties involved. The primary goal of Air Traffic Control (ATC) is to prevent mid-air collisions, and this requires prompt and decisive action. By issuing avoidance instructions, ATC provides the necessary guidance to pilots to alter their flight paths and ensure safe separation.

This proactive response minimizes the chances of a dangerous situation escalating and empowers pilots to take immediate corrective action. It is crucial to act quickly in these scenarios rather than wait for the pilots to decide, as their situational awareness might be limited compared to that of ATC, which has access to a wider range of traffic information. Other options, such as redirecting both aircraft to a holding pattern or instructing one to land immediately, may not address the immediate threat of collision effectively, as they can create further complications and delays.