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.
A section in the 1,116-page bill, titled “Air Traffic Control Staffing and Modernization,” budgets for a variety of infrastructure improvements to be administered by the FAA head until September 30, 2029.
Some key upgrades include:
- $2.16 billion for air traffic control tower and terminal radar approach control facility replacements
- $3 billion for replacing radar systems
- $4.75 billion for telecommunications, infrastructure and systems replacements
- $1 billion for air traffic controller recruitment, training, and training technology efforts
The bill also includes $1.05 billion for airport runway safety projects and general infrastructure. It mandates that the FAA administrator submit a quarterly report every 90 days to congress describing any expenditures under the section.
Aviation trade organization and lobbying group Airlines for America (A4A) stated in a White House news release Monday that it “strongly supports” the bill.
“For years, A4A has been sounding the alarm about ATC staffing shortages and antiquated equipment, such as copper wires and floppy disks,” A4A stated in the release. “Given the challenges facing the air traffic system, these funds are a vital down payment on updating the technology that guides 27,000 flights, 2.7 million passengers, and 61,000 tons of cargo every day—all while driving five percent of our nation’s GDP. The legislation also makes smart, strategic investments in Customs and Border Protection personnel and training for the aviation workforce of tomorrow while supporting American energy dominance in aviation fuel production.
“We encourage the House to pass this legislation and deliver on the Department of Transportation’s plan to help keep our skies safe and efficient. Modernizing our National Airspace System is necessary, and passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will help ensure the United States has a world-class aviation system.”
A4A has been a vocal advocate for modernizing America’s air traffic control system. The organization posted on social media Sunday about the need for improved technology—and an end to copper wires and floppy disks—for air traffic controllers.
The Big Beautiful Bill can be read in full here.
