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

Some of the common explanations for delays or cancellations include weather, maintenance issues or air traffic control flow programs. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026

The emergency was declared to obtain priority handling from air traffic control, the spokesperson said. —Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026

In this environment, pilots are in constant communication with air traffic control and rely on advanced systems onboard the aircraft. —Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

On the aircraft, on the helicopter, in the air traffic control tower. —Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS News, 29 Mar. 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