ALPA, NATCA, FAA Call for $20B to Complete ATC Modernization Push

Officials praise progress made over the last year but say more support from Congress is needed.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 04:30 PM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

An air traffic control tower at John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK) in New York. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Aviation officials from ALPA, NATCA, and FAA ATO are calling for an additional $20 billion to complete the nation's air traffic control (ATC) system overhaul, which is estimated to cost $32 billion in total.
While $12.5 billion has already been allocated for initial upgrades like converting to digital systems and fiber optics, officials warn that partial funding is dangerous and leaves controllers working with outdated and new systems simultaneously.
The urgency for full funding is underscored by high-profile ATC-related incidents and the severe strain on current air traffic controllers, who are operating with reduced staff, long hours, and significant mental health challenges.
Despite the critical need, securing the additional $20 billion from Congress is uncertain, with potential delays and shifting priorities due to upcoming elections.

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Officials from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), and the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization (ATO) convened at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh on Tuesday to call for an additional $20 billion to complete the Trump’s administration’s ongoing air traffic co ntrol (ATC) system overhaul.

“DOT and FAA leadership have been clear that finishing this job, replacing hundreds of aging ATC facilities, deploying modern surveillance automation for controllers, and building the traffic management tools our system needs will take an additional $20 billion,” ALPA President Jason Ambrosi said at a press conference at the airshow. “Partial funding isn’t a shortcut. It leaves controllers, our crews on the ground, working with one foot in the old system and one in the new. And that’s a dangerous place to leave the people we depend on most.”