GAO: FAA's Aging ATC Systems Risk Collapse, Spurring $12.5B Modernization Push

Delta CEO Ed Bastian has highlighted the dire state of U.S. air traffic control (ATC) systems, stating that certain commercial flight routes, such as Atlanta to LaGuardia, now take longer to complete than they did in the 1950s. This assertion underscores systemic inefficiencies tied to outdated infrastructure, including radar and radio systems from the 1960s, and has sparked renewed calls for modernization. Bastian emphasized that while aviation remains the safest mode of transport, the current ATC limitations hinder efficiency and capacity. "The skies are congested because of the antiquated systems," he said, advocating for satellite-based navigation, GPS, and fiber-optic upgrades to streamline operations .

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) corroborates these concerns, reporting in March 2025 that 37% of the FAA's 138 ATC systems are deemed unsustainable, while 39% are potentially unsustainable. Many of these systems, some over 60 years old, face critical operational risks, including unavailability of spare parts and inadequate technical expertise. A 2023 outage of the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) system-used to relay safety-critical information to pilots-resulted in 1,300 flight cancellations and nearly 10,000 delays. GAO attributed these issues to slow progress in modernization efforts, with key upgrades delayed by 6–10 years. The agency also identified gaps in FAA oversight, including inconsistent risk mitigation strategies and delayed project baselines .

In response, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a $12.5 billion plan in May 2025 to overhaul the ATC system. The initiative includes replacing 618 radars, deploying 25,000 new radios, and constructing six new air traffic control centers-the first since the 1960s. The plan also prioritizes fiber-optic and satellite technologies to replace aging copper wiring and analog systems. "We're building a system for the future, not the past," Duffy stated, noting that the current infrastructure resembles "equipment from the Apollo 13 set." The proposal has garnered bipartisan support, with the Modern Skies Coalition-comprising 55 aviation groups-backing the initiative. However, cost estimates vary, with the coalition suggesting a $31 billion price tag, compared to the FAA's undisclosed budget .

Industry stakeholders, including Delta, are already adjusting operations to mitigate delays. Bastian cited reduced capacity at Newark Liberty International Airport as a temporary solution to alleviate congestion, though he acknowledged this approach is unsustainable long-term. Airlines are also advocating for congressional funding to accelerate modernization. The FAA's NextGen program, a multi-decade initiative to implement trajectory-based operations and digital communication tools, has faced delays due to technical complexity and funding shortfalls. As of 2024, only 29 of 90 unsustainable systems had active modernization plans, with 13 projects expected to take six years or more to complete .

Challenges persist, including workforce shortages and bureaucratic hurdles. The FAA reported a deficit of 3,500 air traffic controllers in 2025, exacerbating staffing gaps at critical facilities. Additionally, the agency's reliance on legacy systems-such as the NOTAM database, last upgraded in 2023-highlights the urgency for systemic reform. Experts like Nick Lappos of the AIAA argue that a fully networked airspace model, leveraging Silicon Valley-style data techniques, could enable precise drone delivery and advanced air mobility. However, such a shift requires reimagining ATC frameworks and addressing regulatory bottlenecks .

---

Source: [1] U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System (https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/us-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-unveils-plan-build-brand-new-state-art-air)

[2] GAO-25-108162, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL: FAA Actions Urgently Needed to Modernize Systems (https://files.gao.gov/reports/GAO-25-108162/index.html)

[3] Delta CEO says air traffic control systems are so outdated that some commercial flight routes were faster in the 1950s than they are today (https://fortune.com/2025/10/07/delta-ceo-air-traffic-control-systems-outdated-commercial-flight-routes-faster-in-1950s/)