DC-9 50
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Airport; Human Factors; Procedure; Company Policy
I was working GC-N during a departure push. A DC-9 was waiting to taxi into the ramp. Since he wasn't moving; I asked him if he could get into the ramp. He said he couldn't get a word in to them so I asked him to wait for two MD-88s to exit the ramp before he went in. I taxied MD-88 1 and MD-88 2 out of the ramp and while the first one was exiting the ramp; I saw DC-9 taxi into the ramp. The two aircraft passed each other in the mouth of the ramp. I'm sure Ramp X cleared DC-9 in and he went in instead of giving way like he was instructed to do. This happens way too often at Ramp X. It is a seriously dangerous situation and I am amazed two [aircraft] haven't hit. Ramp X is famous for no notice ramp hold outs; usually when the plane is short of the ramp. I notified the Supervisor; but since management believes that Air Carrier X is their customer; they are hesitant to take any action. So this same situation happens all the time. It's happened to me several times. In a team training I was told Ramp X has been a problem for years and nothing can be done about it. I'm not willing to accept that. Either safety is a priority; or it isn't. The Ramp Towers should not taxi aircraft on the taxiways. Meter traffic in and out of the ramps. Everybody can't push back and depart at the same time while simultaneously trying to get the arrivals into the ramp.
ATL Controller described a conflict involving a 'Ramp Controller' area alleging the Ramp Controller issued inappropriate taxi clearances to aircraft about to enter FAA controlled taxiways.