‘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 new federal spending bill, the "Big Beautiful Bill," includes $12.5 billion for airport and air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure projects over the next four years.
Funds are allocated for significant upgrades, including replacing ATC towers, radar systems, telecommunications, and investing $1 billion in controller recruitment, training, and technology.
The bill also dedicates $1.05 billion for airport runway safety and general infrastructure improvements.
Aviation trade organizations like Airlines for America (A4A) strongly support the bill, citing its necessity for modernizing antiquated equipment and addressing ATC staffing shortages to ensure safe and efficient air travel.

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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.