air-traffic control

American  

[air-traf-ik] / ˈɛərˌtræf ɪk /

noun

1. a government service that facilitates the safe and orderly movement of aircraft within and between airports by receiving and processing data from radar and devices that monitor local weather conditions and by maintaining radio contact with pilots.

---

air-traffic control British  

noun

1. an organization that determines the altitude, speed, and direction at which planes fly in a given area, giving instructions to pilots by radio

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• air-traffic controller
  noun

Etymology

Origin of air-traffic control

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

All airlines have dealt with difficulties related to air-traffic control and other strains that have affected operations in recent years.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

The FAA said United’s expansion will stress the Chicago airport’s runway, terminal and air-traffic control systems.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

BALTIMORE—A “strong odor” at an air-traffic control facility snarled travel in the Washington, D.C., area, according to federal aviation authorities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

Privately held Peraton won the bid for the air-traffic control system modernization, which included $12.5 billion in funding.

From Barron's • Dec. 5, 2025

He still sees Parsons benefiting from air-traffic control modernization.

From Barron's • Dec. 5, 2025