control tower

noun

1. a glass-enclosed, elevated structure for the visual observation and control of the air and ground traffic at an airport.

control tower

noun

1. a tower at an airport from which air traffic is controlled

Word History and Origins

Origin of control tower¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The latest shortfall happened Wednesday afternoon when not enough workers showed up at Reagan Washington National Airport’s air-traffic control tower, prompting delays in the nation’s capital.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Hollywood Burbank Airport’s air traffic control tower was temporarily unstaffed Monday and flights were delayed or canceled due to staffing shortages amid the government shutdown.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Hollywood Burbank Airport’s air traffic control tower is temporarily unmanned and flights are delayed Monday afternoon due to staffing shortages amid the ongoing government shutdown, according to the Federal Aviation Authority.

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The Predators flew over Los Angeles for at least four more days, according to tracking experts who identified the flights through air traffic control tower communications and images of a Predator in flight.

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They are building a control tower and dredging a small harbour to allow bigger boats to dock.

Read more on BBC