Duffy Ups DOT’s ATC Modernization Ask to $30B

New funding appeal is more than what officials previously requested or said they would be seeking.

Jack Daleo

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 01:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy seeks $30 billion for ATC modernization on top of the $12.5 billion that Congress already allocated for the effort. [Credit: Joshua Sukoff/Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The Transportation Department is requesting an additional $30 billion for the Brand New ATC System (BNATCS) modernization, increasing its total projected cost to $42.5 billion, to address existing infrastructure failures, cost overruns, and schedule delays.
This new funding is earmarked for replacing aging ATC towers, upgrading telecommunications and other technology systems, and improving airport facilities, including the critical rollout of the AI-based SMART platform.
Officials stress the urgency of this investment, warning of increased flight delays and cancellations without it, while facing scrutiny given the prior $36 billion NextGen modernization effort delivered only 16% of its promised benefits.

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The Transportation Department is upping its funding request for air traffic control (ATC) modernization by several billion dollars as the effort faces cost and schedule concerns.

Reuters reported Tuesday that DOT Secretary Sean Duffy said the agency is “going to ask Congress for $30 billion.” Congress in 2025 allocated $12.5 billion toward the project, known as the Brand New ATC System (BNATCS), and Duffy’s appeal would put the total cost at $42.5 billion.