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

City spokesperson Vic Hathaway told the outlet that an air traffic control tower will be constructed at the airport next year. —Michelle Cruz, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026

In the air traffic control recording, the pilot can be heard telling the controller a pregnant passenger has gone into labor and requesting medical personnel at the gate. —Anselm Gibbs, ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026

As the flight neared its destination, pilots alerted air traffic control about the unexpected medical situation. —Lorraine Taylor, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2026

However, upon approach, pilots radioed to air traffic control that there was an unexpected medical emergency on board. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 6 Apr. 2026

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