Washington, D.C. — July 16, 2025 — In a pivotal address to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy revealed that a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s aging air traffic control system will require an investment of $31.5 billion. This marks the first time the Department of Transportation (DOT) has publicly specified a cost for the ambitious project, which aims to address decades of underinvestment and enhance aviation safety and efficiency.
- Advertisement -
Duffy’s announcement comes on the heels of a series of high-profile incidents, including a deadly midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in January and a 90-second radar and communication outage at Newark Liberty International Airport in April. These events have intensified calls for modernizing the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) outdated infrastructure, which relies on 1970s-era radar systems, copper wiring, and, in some cases, replacement parts sourced from eBay.
“We’re talking $31.5 billion dollars to do the full project, and my hope is that we’ll have an additional conversation about how we can do that. I think time is of the essence,” Duffy told lawmakers, emphasizing the urgency of securing full funding upfront to avoid delays caused by incremental budgeting.
- Advertisement -
The modernization plan, initially unveiled in May 2025, includes replacing 618 radar systems, installing 25,000 new radios, 475 voice switches, and high-speed network connections at over 4,600 locations. It also involves constructing six new air traffic control centers—the first since the 1960s—and deploying advanced surface detection equipment at 200 airports to reduce near-miss incidents. The DOT aims to complete the overhaul by 2028, a timeline Duffy described as aggressive but achievable with Congressional support.
Congress has already approved a $12.5 billion down payment through President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” passed in June 2025, to kickstart the project. However, Duffy stressed that an additional $19 billion is needed to fully fund the initiative. He urged lawmakers to act swiftly, warning that delays could lead to more disruptions like those seen at Newark, where outdated copper wiring contributed to significant flight delays and cancellations.
- Advertisement -
“This is bold. This is going to be challenging, but we absolutely can do it,” Duffy said, highlighting the bipartisan support and unprecedented coalition of airline executives, union leaders, and aviation groups backing the plan. Major airline CEOs, including those from United, American, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue, have endorsed the initiative, citing its potential to create a “best-in-class” system.
The proposal also addresses staffing shortages, with the FAA currently 3,500 controllers short of its target. Duffy recently introduced a $10,000 recruitment award for new controllers willing to work at understaffed facilities, though the National Air Traffic Controllers Association has expressed concerns that the plan does not sufficiently tackle chronic staffing issues.
During the hearing, Duffy faced questions about potential conflicts of interest involving SpaceX, following reports that its employees consulted with the FAA. He clarified that SpaceX’s involvement was limited to reviewing air traffic control equipment and that Starlink could bid on satellite communication components, but no final decisions have been made.
The modernization effort has been likened to upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone, with plans to replace copper wiring with fiber optics, digitize flight data management, and enhance weather and surveillance systems in regions like Alaska and the Caribbean. Duffy emphasized that the project is both an economic and national security necessity, warning that without upgrades, “you will see Newarks not just in Newark, you’ll see Newarks in other parts of the country.”
As Congress deliberates the additional funding, Duffy’s plan has sparked optimism among industry leaders. “This has been a long time coming,” said Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, echoing the sentiment of many who see the overhaul as critical to maintaining the safety and reliability of U.S. air travel.
With the clock ticking, the success of this transformative initiative hinges on Congress’s ability to secure the necessary funds and streamline permitting processes, ensuring that the nation’s skies remain safe and efficient for generations to come.
(This article written with the assistance of AI tools)
