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
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Hay added that the issue is not something that passengers needed to worry about from a safety standpoint but rather an operational headache for pilots, airlines and air traffic control. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026 Pilots alerted air traffic control about the situation, and after learning the baby had been delivered, one controller jokingly suggested a fitting name. Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026 According to audio obtained and shared by CW affiliate KTLA, a controller at Whiteman Airport’s air traffic control tower initially seemed unaware that the crash had occurred. Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026 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 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

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Cite this Entry

“Air traffic control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20traffic%20control. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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