air traffic control
noun
: the process or system by which the movements of aircraft are monitored and directed by ground personnel communicating with pilots by radio
improving the technology used for air traffic control
also
: the personnel who operate an air traffic control system
Pilots would still have to file flight plans, which could be modified by air traffic control if they posed any safety hazards. —
David R. Hinson
David R. Hinson Examples of air traffic control in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
After the relief first officer reported back to the cockpit, the crew declared an emergency with air traffic control and diverted to Minneapolis.
—Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
As the plane continued to climb, the pilot continued asking air traffic control for guidance and accepted directions to complete a left turn, per the report.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Last month, Reagan National Airport stopped flights after an air traffic control fire alarm went off, then later resumed flights.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 9 Sep. 2025
The disruption marked the second outage for controllers at the Philadelphia air traffic control center, which manages Newark's airspace, within 24 hours.
—Doc Louallen, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for air traffic control
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Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
As the plane continued to climb, the pilot continued asking air traffic control for guidance and accepted directions to complete a left turn, per the report.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Last month, Reagan National Airport stopped flights after an air traffic control fire alarm went off, then later resumed flights.
—Tara Suter, The Hill, 9 Sep. 2025
The disruption marked the second outage for controllers at the Philadelphia air traffic control center, which manages Newark's airspace, within 24 hours.
—Doc Louallen, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for air traffic control
Cite this Entry
“Air traffic control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20traffic%20control. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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