Commercial Fixed Wing
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 1.5
Distraction; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
It was toward [the] end of the rush; I was working the low side and had all of my aircraft slowing to 170 kts. Controller Y plugged in for a relief briefing after working as the main arrival coordinator. As I was going through the position relief checklist Controller Y noticed something was off. At first I thought Controller Y was looking at the spacing on final; which was perfect. But then I saw Aircraft X on a 180 heading racing towards the Runway XL final. My first reaction was to turn Aircraft X right to a 330 heading but then Controller Y suggested a left turn to continue eastbound away from final. I issued a left turn 090 and then a climb to 050 to get above the traffic on final approach.It was clear that Aircraft X took the left turn to 180. Aircraft Y had turn to a 180 heading at his appropriate time.If it wasn't for the fast acting from Controller Y the issue could have worsen.In this new world of 'COVID Traffic' pilots need to do a better job of listening to control instructions especially when the volume is high.
TRACON Controller reported clearance communication issues with an aircraft resulted in a conflict which was saved by another attentive Controller who offered a different heading to avoid further separation issues.