air traffic

American  

noun

1. aircraft moving in flight or on airport runways.

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air traffic British  

noun

1. the organized movement of aircraft within a given space

2. the passengers, cargo, or mail carried by aircraft

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Etymology

Origin of air traffic

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

The salvo caused disruptions in air traffic, with flights canceled and long lines for check-in and luggage retrieval at Moscow’s airports.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

It’s also competing to provide the Federal Aviation Administration with a new AI tool for air traffic management, according to reports.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Now, the air traffic is growing more crowded with the expansion of the department’s drone fleet.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026

The crew called air traffic control for an emergency landing, and they were met with emergency medical personnel upon arriving on the ground.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

The plane’s air traffic controller calls out one last time.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell