FAA’s Bedford Defends ATC Modernization Delays But Says More Money Needed

Agency leader also would not commit to giving controllers a 3.8 percent raise provided for by legislation.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 03:30 PM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford testifies during a House hearing on Tuesday. [Credit: C-SPAN]

Key Takeaways:

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford requested over $10 billion in additional funding for the ongoing air traffic control (ATC) modernization project (BNATCS), defending current schedule delays and warning of increased system delays without further investment.
While some BNATCS components like telecommunications upgrades are ahead of schedule, radar replacement faces delays until September 2028 due to supply chain issues, potentially impacting the overall Phase 1 completion timeline.
Bedford refused to commit to a congressionally approved 3.8% pay raise for air traffic controllers, citing a condition for improved workforce efficiency, despite a significant controller shortage and strong criticism from lawmakers.

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FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford on Tuesday defended schedule slips in the agency’s air traffic control (ATC) modernization effort. Bedford also asked Congress for “at least $10 billion” more to fund the effort but would not commit to giving ATCs a 3.8 percent raise provided for by legislation passed earlier this year.

Bedford’s remarks before the House Appropriations Committee’s subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development illuminated the challenges the FAA faces in delivering what he called “one of the most ambitious and critical infrastructure projects of our time.”