‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Includes $12.5B for ATC Overhaul, Airport Safety

Upgrades include air traffic control tower, radar, and telecommunications systems replacements.

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 03:55 PM ET

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Aerial view of King County International Airport-Boeing Field looking south down Runway 14R toward Mount Rainier [Credit: King County]

Key Takeaways:

A federal spending bill, "The Big Beautiful Bill," includes $12.5 billion for airport and air traffic control infrastructure projects over the next four years.
The funding is allocated to modernize the outdated air traffic control system, replacing equipment like radar systems and telecommunications infrastructure, and investing in controller recruitment and training.
The bill, which addresses current ATC staffing shortages and antiquated technology, is strongly supported by aviation trade organizations like Airlines for America (A4A).

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A massive federal spending bill heading to vote this week includes $12.5 billion in airport and air traffic control infrastructure projects over the next four years.

The national budget for the 2025 fiscal year, titled the “Big Beautiful Bill,” was approved by the House Budget Committee in a rare weekend vote on Sunday night. It is expected to be put to vote on the House floor by the end of this week.

Caleb Revill

Caleb Revill is a journalist, writer and lifelong learner working as a Junior Writer for Firecrown. When he isn't tackling breaking news, Caleb is on the lookout for fascinating feature stories.