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In the case of a midair collision stemming from negligence on the part of air traffic control, liability can indeed fall on the air traffic controllers. This is based on the principle of negligence, which holds that if a party fails to act with the level of care that can be expected and that negligence results in harm, they can be held legally responsible.

Air traffic controllers are responsible for ensuring safe air traffic operations, including providing timely and accurate information to pilots and managing the safe separation of aircraft in the airspace they oversee. If an air traffic controller fails to perform these duties adequately—such as by providing incorrect information or failing to monitor aircraft properly—and this failure leads to a midair collision, the controller (and potentially their employer, which is typically a government entity in charge of air traffic control) can be held liable for the resulting damages and injuries.

The other options largely misplace liability. Airlines and pilots typically have established protocols and responsibilities, but they do not bear sole responsibility in the context of negligence from air traffic control. Airport management generally focuses on airport operations and infrastructure rather than direct control of air traffic. As such, they may not be liable unless there is a direct link to negligence related to airport operations that contributes to the collision.