FAA Launches First 2 Digital Control Towers as Trump Seeks Another $30 Billion
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Nov 7
FAA Launches First 2 Digital Control Towers as Trump Seeks Another $30 Billion
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Nov 7
Summary
Bartow Executive Airport in Florida and Kenai Municipal Airport in Alaska became the first US sites with operational digital air traffic control towers, with five more regional airports slated to follow.
The FAA said the systems use cameras and digital displays to give controllers a continuous 360-degree view of runways, taxiways and nearby airspace, adding information rather than replacing human controllers.
$12.5 billion over five years was approved in 2025 for air traffic control modernization, but the administration is now asking Congress for another $30 billion to replace legacy tools including copper lines, floppy disks and paper strips.
Bryan Bedford faces lawmakers next week as the rollout unfolds amid scrutiny of AI in air traffic management, a controller shortage after last year's shutdown, and safety concerns sharpened by the 2025 Washington-area crash that killed 67 people.