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

Singapore and London, two of the world’s most congested airspaces, are testing artificial intelligence air traffic control systems. —semafor.com, 11 July 2025

Shortly after taking off in San Diego, air traffic control instructed Landon, the pilot, to make a left turn. —David Chiu, People.com, 10 July 2025

Duffy has also been a vocal critic of current air traffic control systems and has vowed to revamp them across the nation. —Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025

Under Duffy’s leadership, the department has pledged to make changes to the nation’s air traffic control system, after a string of crashes and near misses. —Chantelle Lee, Time, 10 July 2025

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