When an emergency involves a foreign air carrier, what action must be taken?

In situations where an emergency involves a foreign air carrier, notifying the ARTCC (Air Route Traffic Control Center) serving the departure or destination airport is a necessary and critical action. This is because the ARTCC is responsible for managing en route traffic and ensuring safety across the airspace in their jurisdiction. By notifying the ARTCC, they can take appropriate actions regarding air traffic control, coordinate with other agencies, and facilitate the necessary support for the foreign air carrier.

Communication with the ARTCC is vital in managing the emergency effectively, especially if it affects flight operations in the airspace they control. This action helps to ensure that adequate measures are taken to maintain safety and provide necessary assistance to the aircraft in distress.

Other actions, such as contacting the airline's headquarters or alerting the local police department, may be necessary in some circumstances but are not the primary responsibility of an air traffic controller within the context of managing an immediate air emergency. Canceling all incoming flights is also not a typical response unless specifically warranted by the unique circumstances of the emergency. Therefore, notifying the ARTCC is the most essential and direct action in this scenario.