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

Examples of air traffic control in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Weather delays, mechanical issues, staffing strikes and shortages, air traffic control holds—that's just another Tuesday in air travel these days. Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026 The report finds that one of the firefighters in the fire truck heard a message from air traffic control to stop, but didn't immediately know who the message was intended for. Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 The pilots declared an emergency and were approved to land by the air traffic control tower. Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026 The recording also indicated that air traffic control had given the fire truck permission to cross the runway to reach the United plane, after which an air traffic controller told the truck to stop. Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for air traffic control

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of air traffic control was in 1919

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Air traffic control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/air%20traffic%20control. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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