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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• air-traffic controller
  noun

Etymology

Origin of air-traffic control

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

The Transportation Department is working to overhaul the air-traffic control system, seeking billions of dollars of additional funding to upgrade antiquated systems.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 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

Parsons’ stock slid after losing a bid to update America’s air-traffic control system.

From Barron's • Dec. 5, 2025

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

From Barron's • Dec. 5, 2025