Aviation Stakeholders Eye Funding Needs for ATC Overhaul

Lawmakers and aviation leaders aligned on ATC modernization

By Kerry Lynch • Editor, AIN monthly magazine

July 16, 2025

With $12.5 billion in additional funds approved for air traffic control modernization and controller staffing, lawmakers and stakeholders attending an Air Traffic Control Modernization Summit in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday agreed that this is just a down payment of what is necessary. But NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, speaking during the summit, noted that “this is our opportunity” to accomplish what has faltered in the past, given the unique alignment of government, stakeholders, and the general public.

Stakeholders attending the day-long event hosted by the American Association of Airport Executives cited a need closer to $30 billion to achieve the required upgrades. Recognizing this, U.S. transportation, housing, and urban development subcommittee chairman Steve Womack (R-Arkansas) said lawmakers are planning upwards of a $6 billion additional bump to the $12.5 billion through the transportation, housing, and urban development (THUD) bill that the full Appropriations Committee will consider on Thursday.

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