To which controller are aircraft transferred after the approach phase?

Answer: C — Aerodrome controller

After the approach phase, aircraft are transferred to the aerodrome controller. This controller is responsible for managing aircraft movements on the final approach as they land and also oversees their taxiing to the parking gates after landing. The aerodrome controller ensures safe and efficient operations within the airport's airspace and on the ground, particularly at busy airports where coordination is crucial to prevent conflicts between arriving and departing aircraft. In contrast, the area controller manages aircraft at higher altitudes and during the en route phase, far from the airport, while the ground controller specifically handles the movement of aircraft on the ground, excluding the active runways. The departure controller focuses on managing aircraft movements as they take off and transition to the en route phase. Thus, the role of the aerodrome controller is uniquely suited to the needs of aircraft immediately following the approach phase due to the specific responsibilities associated with landing and ground operations.