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
David R. Hinson Examples of air traffic control in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Before the crash, air traffic control audio captures the pilots requesting an altitude range — known as a block altitude — to maneuver the airplane.
—Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
Parts of the travel sector have been strained by the impasse, with delays growing at some airports amid air traffic control staffing issues.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025
Parts of the travel sector have been strained by the shutdown, with delays growing at some airports amid air traffic control staffing issues.
—Dan Basso, Freep.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Parts of the travel sector have been strained by the shutdown, with delays growing at some airports amid air traffic control staffing issues.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for air traffic control
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
Parts of the travel sector have been strained by the impasse, with delays growing at some airports amid air traffic control staffing issues.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025
Parts of the travel sector have been strained by the shutdown, with delays growing at some airports amid air traffic control staffing issues.
—Dan Basso, Freep.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Parts of the travel sector have been strained by the shutdown, with delays growing at some airports amid air traffic control staffing issues.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for air traffic control
Cite this Entry
“Air traffic control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20traffic%20control. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share