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New air traffic control systems to be implemented at airports by 2028 after Newark Airport delays

The new system will replace everything from radar, software and even the copper wiring that connects everything together - something authorities say was a factor in why the system at Newark failed.

Rob Taub

May 9, 2025, 4:10 PM

Updated 6 hr ago

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Airports across the country can expect brand new air traffic control systems by 2028 following a week of delays at Newark Airport.
The new system will replace everything from radar, software and even the copper wiring that connects everything together - something authorities say was a factor in why the system at Newark failed.
Federal Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says Americans deserve these changes.
“I think our country, our people, those who use the airspace deserve this moment in time to deliver an air traffic control system that's going to keep them safe,” he said. “It's not going to have them delayed for four hours or their flights canceled, a system that works for them."
The FAA says a big challenge in replacing anything related to air traffic control is that they must keep the current system online while they install a new one.
The announcement also comes after radar screens went dark at Newark on Friday, causing hundreds of delays and dozens of cancellations.