Airlines Confidential · Wednesday, September 23, 2026
The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Air Traffic Control modernization program requires billions more than initially planned and lacks a concrete master schedule, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The first phase is now estimated to cost $16 billion, and the FAA is seeking an additional $10 billion for phase two.
“The Government Accountability Office says the FAA's Air Traffic Control overhaul needs billions more and still lacks a firm master schedule.”
“The FAA now says the first phase of air traffic control modernization will cost about $16 billion versus $12.5 billion provided by Congress.”
“Meanwhile, the GAO says the FAA underestimated costs and has yet to produce a comprehensive schedule covering more than 11,000 projects.”