Passengers line up for a delayed flight at Newark International Airport on May 5, 2025. The Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Sean Duffy, will launch a revolutionary “brand new air traffic control system” by 2028. This ambitious initiative will involve the creation of new hardware and software to modernize air traffic control.
The announcement of this three-year plan comes after a series of disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport due to a blackout incident that impacted air traffic controllers’ screens and radios. The Department of Transportation aims to address the outdated infrastructure and technology issues plaguing the current system.
President Donald Trump expressed confidence in the safety of the current system but emphasized the need for a complete modernization. The plan focuses on upgrading core infrastructure components such as radar, software, hardware, and telecommunications networks to ensure a safe and efficient air traffic control system.
The proposed changes include the deployment of new high-speed network connections, radios, voice switches, and radars. Additionally, new air traffic control centers will be constructed, and efforts will be made to enhance surface awareness technology at airports to prevent ground incidents.
The Department of Transportation is committed to securing necessary funding and providing regular updates to Congress on the progress of the modernization efforts. This comprehensive plan represents a significant step towards addressing longstanding issues with the air traffic control system and ensuring the safety of passengers and airspace users.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby expressed his optimism about the significant progress made by the FAA and the US air traffic control system, calling it a historic day. He highlighted the positive impact of a new bill, stating that it has left him more hopeful than ever about the modernization and improvement of air traffic control. Kirby commended Secretary Duffy and his team for their action-oriented approach, emphasizing the importance of individuals who prioritize getting tasks done efficiently rather than just focusing on policy discussions.
The Transportation Department is expected to make an announcement following the FAA’s commitment to enhancing operations at Newark. This includes implementing new high-bandwidth telecommunications connections and upgrading to fiberoptic technology to improve data transmission to controllers. Additionally, a temporary backup system will be deployed at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), which plays a crucial role in directing aircraft to and from Newark Airport.
The FAA plans to increase staffing and has a robust training program in place to support these initiatives. Secretary Duffy emphasized the necessity of congressional support and reform in government permit issuance to expedite the completion of the project within the estimated timeline of three to four years.
Over the years, the FAA has faced criticism for the poor quality and unreliability of its technology systems. A report from the US Government Accountability Office in 2024 revealed that a significant portion of the FAA’s systems were deemed unsustainable or potentially unsustainable. Several incidents have highlighted the vulnerabilities of the air traffic control system, including outages that have led to flight disruptions and safety concerns.
Efforts to enhance the air traffic control system have been ongoing, with a focus on transitioning to modern equipment and improving operational efficiency. The FAA’s commitment to these upgrades, coupled with support from Congress and streamlined permit issuance processes, aims to address long-standing issues and ensure a more reliable and effective air traffic control system in the coming years.
During a news conference on Thursday, Thomson expressed concerns about aging and costly telecom systems that were not being addressed by local companies. Nick Calio from Airlines for America showcased outdated technology still in use by controllers, such as floppy discs and paper strips. Calio announced that efforts were underway to replace these obsolete systems through the FAA Enterprise Network Services Program, also known as FENS. The FAA awarded a 15-year contract on March 27, 2023, to Verizon to upgrade the communications system. Elon Musk criticized Verizon’s efforts and suggested that his company, Starlink, could take over the project. Verizon confirmed plans to roll out a new fiberoptic network to replace outdated copper lines.
The FAA is currently testing Starlink at non-critical sites in Alaska to improve access to weather information for pilots. Senator Chuck Schumer criticized the continued use of old technology, questioning why copper wires were still being used in 2025 instead of fiber optics. Some of the issues with the Newark airspace were attributed to the relocation of approach controllers from N90 to Philadelphia last summer. Subsequent radar feed and frequency problems in August led to delays at Newark Airport. The move was prompted by difficulties in recruiting and retaining controllers at N90 due to morale issues.
Thomson highlighted the challenges faced by controllers due to outdated systems, resulting in glitches on radar screens. The decay of older technology was particularly evident at Newark Airport, causing disruptions and delays in the Northeast corridor. The disparity in salaries and training opportunities between New York and Philadelphia also contributed to staffing issues in air traffic control.
The story has been updated with more information. To access more CNN news and newsletters, please sign up at CNN.com.
