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

Ralph Cutié, director and CEO of Miami International Airport, also cited the 43-day government shutdown last year, which led to air traffic control and TSA employees having to work without pay. —Vinod Sreeharsha february 5, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026

If the bill passes and the FAA approves the name change, hundreds of aviation navigational charts, air traffic control documentation and airline avionics computer codes that allow pilots to safely operate aircraft might have to be changed to reflect the new airport name. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026

The information is then shared with air traffic control — which passes the report along to law enforcement officials for further review. —Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 3 Feb. 2026

During the 2025 shutdown, the DOT ordered airlines to reduce flights by up to 10% to ease the strain on air traffic control. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 31 Jan. 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