Ramp Controller reported some confusion and miscommunication occurred when three aircraft in adjacent gates attempted to push back simultaneously.
Synopsis
Ramp Controller reported some confusion and miscommunication occurred when three aircraft in adjacent gates attempted to push back simultaneously.
Narrative
Aircraft X had requested push off [Gate] XXX; a minute later [Aircraft Y on the adjacent gate; Gate XXY] had also requested push; seconds later [Aircraft Z on another adjacent gate; Gate XXZ] requested push. [Aircraft A from adjacent gate; Gate XXA] was already pushed so both Aircraft X and Y were blocked. I advised Aircraft X to push once Aircraft A had taxied away; hearing he had already received his taxi clearance from Ground; and seeing they requested first. I told Aircraft Y crew that once Aircraft X taxis away push approved. Mid push the push crew stops and proceeds to pull the heavy back into the gate; but then stops again to start the push sequence. At this point Aircraft Y Push Crew thought the Aircraft X was going back into the gate and proceeded with the push to which Aircraft X started pushing also. I stopped both crews (flight deck) and each explained the situation. Aircraft Y flight decks said the push back crew had faulty headsets which added to the confusion; and Aircraft X said it was a confused Trainee that had not pushed off that gate before; and again was confused by the Aircraft Y push.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.