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

Last year Joby acquired Blade Air Mobility, a provider of helicopter transportation services, giving Joby hands-on experience with air traffic control and commercial operations. — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026

The move to use electronic strips is part of what’s dubbed the Terminal Flight Data Manager, an air traffic control tower initiative to improve management and efficiency, led by the Department of Transportation. — Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2026

The aircraft operated by the private carrier K2 Airways had departed from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and reported a navigational system problem before losing contact with air traffic control late Tuesday. — Munir Ahmed, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Plane descended rapidly Local air traffic control tried to guide it but three minutes later radar systems showed the plane descending rapidly and communication was lost, the authority said. — Reuters, CNN Money, 8 July 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