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
The team will be supported by specialists in operations, air traffic control and meteorology.
—Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
One way transponders do that is by squawking, or sending a code to air traffic control to identify itself and provide information, like altitude.
—Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 15 Dec. 2025
Audio from live air traffic control broadcasts captures air traffic controllers calmly but urgently coordinating the jet’s return, discussing fuel being dumped as part of emergency procedures and clearing the aircraft back to Dulles while ground crews were placed on alert.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 13 Dec. 2025
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working to overhaul the country's air traffic control system in an effort to reduce outages and improve efficiency.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for air traffic control
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Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
One way transponders do that is by squawking, or sending a code to air traffic control to identify itself and provide information, like altitude.
—Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 15 Dec. 2025
Audio from live air traffic control broadcasts captures air traffic controllers calmly but urgently coordinating the jet’s return, discussing fuel being dumped as part of emergency procedures and clearing the aircraft back to Dulles while ground crews were placed on alert.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 13 Dec. 2025
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working to overhaul the country's air traffic control system in an effort to reduce outages and improve efficiency.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 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 Dec. 2025.
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