B737-800
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Ground Incursion Taxiway
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors; Company Policy; Procedure
Air Carrier X was taxiing to Runway 1R via A. A short time later; they asked about the aircraft pushing in front of them. I had no traffic; but upon scanning the situation; explained the aircraft could be talking to Ramp Control and misidentified their gate. I attempted the aircraft without success. I advised the FLM who called the 'A' Ramp Control. They advised the aircraft said they were at Gate 25 (Ramp controlled) when they were actually at Gate 29 (Ground controlled.) Shortly thereafter; Air Carrier Y called asking if I need them to pull back into the gate. I advised Air Carrier Y to pull back into the gate to allow the two aircraft behind them to pass; [and] then push back is approved. There are no changes to recommend; it was a predictable mistake that is going to happen once in a while.
Ground Controller described a ground conflict event involving Ground Control and Ramp Control; indicating that Ramp issued push back clearance to the wrong aircraft.