What does Area Control Service ensure during flights?

Area Control Service is focused on managing air traffic in controlled airspace to ensure the safe and orderly flow of aircraft. One of its primary responsibilities is to maintain separation between Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft and specific Visual Flight Rules (VFR) aircraft. This separation is crucial because IFR aircraft operate in more structured environments, relying on air traffic control for guidance, while VFR pilots may maneuver with more flexibility based on visual references. By ensuring adequate separation, Area Control Service helps prevent collisions and enhances overall air safety.

The other choices do not pertain to the specific functions of Area Control Service. For instance, coordination of airport ground traffic relates to ground control services that manage aircraft on the taxiways and runways, not in the airspace. Control of local weather conditions is outside the purview of air traffic control; while weather can affect flight operations, it cannot be managed or controlled by ATC. Finally, scheduling passenger flights is a logistical function typically handled by airlines and operational departments rather than by air traffic control services.