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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
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.
And Tuesday, flights slowed to a crawl in Atlanta and an air traffic control tower was evacuated for 10 minutes as fears of a nearby tornado grew. Kathryn Prociv, NBC news, 26 Nov. 2025 The airline has suffered service disruptions due to air traffic control and staffing shortages as well as extreme weather events this year, impacting its results. Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 25 Nov. 2025 Even a $10,000 bonus from the FAA to the 800 air traffic control staff with perfect attendance during the shutdown has highlighted the system’s fragility. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 23 Nov. 2025 Citing safety concerns as staffing shortages grew at air traffic control facilities during the shutdown, the FAA issued an unprecedented order to limit traffic in the skies. CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for air traffic control

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of air traffic control was in 1919

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Cite this Entry

“Air traffic control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20traffic%20control. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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