DOT, Aviation Groups Ask Congress for $30B to Modernize Airspace

‘If you don’t want to do it now, when do you want to do it?’ Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy asks Congress.

Jack Daleo

Monday, September 28, 2026 at 05:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy speaks at a news conference Monday with FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and other aviation stakeholders. [Credit: U.S. Transportation Department]

Key Takeaways:

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, and nearly 60 aviation organizations are urging Congress to approve an additional $30 billion for modernizing key aviation systems and upgrading airport infrastructure.
Outlined in the proposed Modern Skies Act, this $30 billion would be split into three tranches: digitizing air traffic control architecture (including AI-based systems), improving airport facilities and runways, and establishing a new grant program for mid-sized airports.
This funding is presented as a crucial, bipartisan investment to replace outdated infrastructure, enhance safety and efficiency, and complete the Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS) effort, building on a prior $12.5 billion allocation.

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U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, and a coalition of nearly 60 aviation organizations have urged Congress to consider new legislation that would funnel an additional $30 billion toward modernizing key aviation systems and upgrading airport infrastructure.

The $30 billion, split into three “tranches” worth $10 billion each, would cover a range of improvements, from the FAA’s new AI-based SMART (Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories) system to new airport runways and taxiways. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) introduced the Modern Skies Act, which outlines how the funding would be used, on Monday.