The U.S. Air Traffic Control System Is Decades Old. What Is FAA Doing About It?

The Federal Aviation Administration has struggled for decades to modernize its outdated air traffic control systems, which are critical for safe and efficient flight operations. In May 2025, it launched an initiative to accelerate these efforts. FAA has made progress implementing this initiative, but it could be prioritizing speed over costs and air traffic disruptions. For example, FAA doesn't have a lifecycle cost estimate or master schedule for related projects. Without them, the agency could end up causing air traffic disruptions or prolonging reliance on severely outdated systems.