Air Traffic Control: FAA Actions Urgently Needed to Modernize Systems

The FAA faces urgent challenges in modernizing the U.S. air traffic control system, with nearly 40% of its systems deemed unsustainable and critical to national airspace safety. Delays in upgrading aging technology have already led to disruptions, such as the 2023 airspace shutdown, and threaten to impact future air travel efficiency. The NextGen modernization initiative, while promising, has suffered from missed milestones and funding concerns, leaving critical updates years behind schedule. Addressing these gaps requires improved oversight, risk mitigation strategies, and stronger investment prioritization to ensure safe and reliable air travel.