Modern Skies Act Seeks $30B to Modernize Air Traffic Control and Airports

# What the Modern Skies Act proposes

Congress to approve $30 billion for aviation modernization, split into three equal $10 billion allocations. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., are urging passage to advance technology and address aging airport infrastructure.

# How the funding would be used

• $10 billion for air traffic control digital architecture: This allocation is intended to complete the systems behind air traffic control. It would fund controller safety separation tools, a more resilient telecommunications system, and data capabilities for the Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories (SMART) tool.

• $10 billion for runways, facilities and towers: This portion would replace aging runways and airport facilities and modernize air traffic control towers nationwide.

• $10 billion for a pilot grant program: Targeted at "transitional airports"—those serving between 5 million and 25 million passengers per year—that currently lack access to sufficient capital. The program would support modernization or rebuilding of aging terminals at qualifying medium-hub airports.

The bill would also provide the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with transfer authority to maintain momentum on deploying radars, radios, surface awareness tools and other equipment.

# How this builds on prior funding

Act would supplement $12.5 billion Congress previously provided through the Working Families Tax Cut. That funding is already supporting several modernization efforts, including the transition of towers to electronic flight strips, installation of new radios and radars, and upgrades to telecommunications lines. The Department of Transportation said deployment tied to that funding is scheduled to wrap up by the end of 2028.

# Backing and stakeholders

Nearly 60 aviation organizations back the Modern Skies Act. Named supporters include Airlines for America, the Air Line Pilots Association, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association and the American Association of Airport Executives. These groups cite continued need for additional funding to sustain air traffic control and airport modernization work.

# Why proponents say immediate action matters

Proponents point to persistent infrastructure and technology gaps that can disrupt operations and strain the system. The bill's mix of digital systems funding, physical infrastructure replacement, and targeted grants for mid-size airports is designed to address both operational modernization and capital shortfalls among airports that lack access to large-scale financing.

# What to watch next

• Congressional consideration: The bill must clear committee and floor votes in Congress before funds can be appropriated.
• FAA implementation details: If passed, the FAA's use of transfer authority and the design of the pilot grant program will determine how quickly projects begin.
• Coordination with existing projects: The new funding would need to be coordinated with projects already funded by the $12.5 billion to avoid duplication and to meet the stated deployment timelines.

Act frames the $30 billion as a direct investment in completing upgrades to ATC digital systems, replacing aging physical infrastructure, and helping mid-size airports finance needed improvements.