FAA Could Get $4B for ATC Upgrades in 2027 Budget

White House request calls for a $481 million increase to the agency’s operations account.

Jack Daleo

Friday, April 03, 2026 at 05:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Requested funding is intended to support the FAA’s efforts to sustain and modernize the nation’s air traffic control (ATC) system. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The White House's FY27 budget requests $4 billion for the FAA's new air traffic control system (BNATCS) and a $481 million increase for operations, adding to $12.5 billion already approved by Congress for modernization.
BNATCS aims to replace outdated ATC infrastructure, including radios, digital voice switches, weather stations, and old copper wiring, with new facilities and fiber optic cables, with some upgrades already underway.
The budget supports an ambitious plan to hire at least 8,900 new air traffic controllers by 2028 through streamlined processes and incentives to address chronic staffing shortages.
The proposal also includes a controversial $372 million cut to the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, while some officials express that more funding is still needed for complete modernization and Congress demands accountability for existing allocations.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The White House’s fiscal year 2027 (FY27) budget request calls for $4 billion to fund the FAA’s three-year, brand new air traffic control system (BNATCS) effort, adding to $12.5 billion allocated by Congress last year.

President Donald Trump requested $26.6 billion for the Transportation Department (DOT) overall, a $1.6 billion or 6.3 percent increase over 2026 funding levels. Of that, $4 billion would be set aside for air traffic control (ATC) “facilities and equipment” upgrades.