The FAA has selected RTX and Indra to replace 612 outdated radar systems across the U.S. by 2028, as part of a multibillion-dollar effort to modernize the air traffic control system, which is currently costly to maintain and prone to failures, with the goal of improving safety and efficiency.
The FAA, funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill, is replacing outdated 1980s radars with modern systems to improve air traffic safety and efficiency, with contracts awarded to RTX and Indra to upgrade up to 612 radars by 2028, as part of a broader modernization initiative.
The FAA ground stop at Palm Springs International Airport due to an air traffic control issue affecting Southern California has been lifted, but delays and cancellations continue as operations normalize, with travelers advised to check with airlines for updates.
2025 was marked by significant aviation incidents, including deadly crashes and safety investigations, but also saw record-breaking air travel and new security measures like the REAL ID requirement and the removal of shoes-off security policy, amidst ongoing efforts to modernize air traffic control and manage increased holiday travel.
Two jets narrowly avoided a collision during takeoff at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport on December 18, 2025, after one flight made an unauthorized turn into the path of another, triggering collision avoidance alarms and evasive maneuvers.
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved multiple bills, including the Aviation Funding Solvency Act to protect the air traffic control system during government shutdowns, and legislation to modernize aviation, improve water quality, and relocate the FBI headquarters, among other initiatives.
The US government admitted negligence in a deadly 2023 collision between a helicopter and a plane near Washington, D.C., which killed 67 people, citing FAA and Army errors, with ongoing lawsuits and an upcoming investigation report.
The U.S. government admitted responsibility for the January midair collision near Washington, D.C., involving an airliner and a Black Hawk helicopter that resulted in 67 deaths, citing FAA and Army negligence, with ongoing investigations and lawsuits highlighting procedural failures and pilot oversight issues.
Flight delays at major U.S. airports are expected to continue for several days after the government shutdown ends due to staffing shortages, reduced flight schedules, and ongoing recovery efforts by airlines and air traffic controllers.
Flight cancellations in the U.S. have decreased but disruptions persist due to ongoing government shutdown and staffing issues, with airlines adjusting schedules and warning travelers to check flight statuses as efforts continue to restore normal operations.
The FAA has frozen flight cancellations at 6% following the end of the government shutdown, citing improved staffing levels and a decline in air traffic controller callouts, which allows airlines to resume normal operations ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Flight cancellations in the US have decreased significantly as air traffic control staffing issues improve just before a key vote to end the government shutdown, with delays and cancellations dropping sharply and airline operations expected to normalize soon.
Flight disruptions at U.S. airports are expected to continue even after the government reopens due to staffing shortages among air traffic controllers caused by the shutdown, leading to flight cancellations and reduced schedules that may take days to normalize.
Air traffic control staffing shortages due to the government shutdown have caused significant flight cancellations and delays, but improvements are underway as more controllers return to work and a potential shutdown end is near. Flight reductions at major airports will continue at 10% until safety data improves, and full airline network recovery may take several days after the shutdown ends. Controllers are expected to receive most of their pay shortly after reopening, but ongoing political delays could cause further disruptions. Travelers are advised to check flight statuses and consider early morning flights for fewer delays.
US airlines canceled 1,200 flights on Tuesday as air traffic control staffing improved amid the ongoing government shutdown, which has caused widespread flight delays and cancellations. The FAA has been reducing flight numbers due to staffing shortages, but improvements in controller availability are leading to potential easing of restrictions as the shutdown nears an end. The Senate has approved legislation to end the shutdown, with the House set to vote, which could further stabilize air travel.