Key facts
- The U.S. aviation industry is requesting $20 billion from Congress for air traffic control modernization.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy estimates a full overhaul of the system will cost around $31.5 billion.
- The current pace of facility upgrades by the FAA is estimated to take 300 years.
- The FAA plans to use new procurement authority to appoint a single manager for the overhaul.
- House appropriators are considering a $2.3 billion increase for the FAA in the fiscal 2026 budget.
The U.S. aviation industry is pressing Congress for $20 billion to modernize the nation's air traffic control system, aiming to reduce flight disruptions and enhance safety. An industry coalition, comprising airlines, manufacturers, and unions, stated this funding is crucial for replacing outdated facilities, equipping controllers with advanced technology, and developing sophisticated airspace management tools.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently revised his estimate for a complete overhaul of the air traffic control system to approximately $31.5 billion, an increase from his previous projection of at least $20 billion. This higher figure aligns with a circulating "wish list" of over $30 billion on Capitol Hill, prompting lawmakers to question funding mechanisms. The reconciliation law has already provided an initial $12.5 billion.
During a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing, lawmakers expressed concerns about the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) capacity to manage such a large-scale project. Representative Scott Perry highlighted that the FAA's current pace for replacing facilities would take an estimated 300 years, a timeline he finds unacceptable. Duffy acknowledged this and confirmed the FAA will leverage procurement authority granted by Congress to potentially select a single company or project manager to oversee the entire overhaul.
Duffy reiterated his call for increased funding, emphasizing the urgency of the upgrades. He noted that while existing reconciliation law funding will cover radios, voice switches, and surface movement radar, additional funds are necessary for the full project. House appropriators are reportedly considering a $2.3 billion increase for the FAA in the fiscal 2026 Transportation-HUD spending bill, which includes significant allocations for air traffic control operations and facilities and equipment accounts. However, sources suggest that substantial additional funding may require another reconciliation bill or a supplemental measure.