air traffic control

noun

: the process or system by which the movements of aircraft are monitored and directed by ground personnel communicating with pilots by radio

improving the technology used for air traffic control

also : the personnel who operate an air traffic control system

Pilots would still have to file flight plans, which could be modified by air traffic control if they posed any safety hazards.

—David R. Hinson

Examples of air traffic control in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Daniels said his organization will continue to work alongside the Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford to address some of the problems facing the air traffic control system, including by increasing hiring and modernizing equipment. —Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025

Security and air traffic control are two crucial airport functions managed by the federal government, leaving travelers wondering what this means for their flights. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration has reported short staffing at air traffic control operations, which has disrupted flights across the nation. —Lawrence Andrea, jsonline.com, 9 Oct. 2025

For one, the Hollywood Burbank Airport air traffic control tower was left unmanned for hours this week due to the shutdown. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for air traffic control

• amphibole
• asystole
• buttonhole
• casserole
• centriole
• decontrol
• glycerol
• metropole
• monopole
• multipole
• omeprazole
• oriole