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

According to air traffic control audio obtained by ABC News, pilots reported an engine fire and smoke inside the aircraft following the incident. —Jeffrey Cook, ABC News, 9 May 2026

The new 200-foot-tall air traffic control tower topped by a glass crown at O’Hare International Airport became the tallest in the United States. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026

Police provided no further details, but air traffic control audio captured United Flight 1837 requesting an emergency vehicle upon its arrival at Newark. —Doha Madani, NBC news, 3 May 2026

In air traffic control audio obtained by CBS News, the pilot alleged that a man attacked a flight attendant and tried to open the main cabin door. —Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 3 May 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