Airport Alert: FAA Releases "Modern Skies" Website To Track ATC Modernization Progress

May 22, 2026

Today the FAA released their long-awaited Modern Skies website, a resource that explains and tracks the federal effort to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system. The ATC modernization effort is focused on the need to replace aging infrastructure, improve safety and efficiency, reduce delays, and give controllers more reliable tools to manage the national airspace. For airports, it provides a useful overview of the technologies and investments, as well as location specific details on projects both completed and upcoming.

The website organizes modernization work into major categories, including communications, surveillance, automation, facilities, and support systems. Featured improvements include replacing outdated copper telecommunications lines with fiber, wireless, and satellite-based connections; upgrading radios and voice switches; deploying modern radar and surface surveillance tools; and expanding digital systems that support controllers in towers and facilities. It also highlights efforts to move from paper-based processes, such as paper flight strips, toward more integrated digital tools.

A particularly helpful feature for airports is the site’s location-based information, including tools that allow users to explore where modernization projects are being deployed and what local impacts may be expected. The site includes a project deployment map that allows users to search by airport, city, state, or congressional district to see how modernization investments may affect a local area. The “Local Impact” feature is intended to help users understand how new ATC infrastructure and technology deployments are expected to improve safety and aviation efficiency in specific corridors.

AAAE, as a founding member of the Modern Skies Coalition (not affiliated with the FAA site) supports these critical investments in our nation’s ATC system which are currently funded by the $12.5 billion from the 2025 reconciliation legislation. The Modern Skies Coalition is also focused on advocating for additional funds to support future efforts to improve efficiency, reduce delays and enable future growth.