FAA Requests $574 Million for Air Traffic Reform

The Federal Aviation Administration is requesting an additional $574 million from Congress to finish the first phase of a $10.6 billion air traffic control reform plan. A report from the Government Accountability Office released Monday found that the agency underestimated operating costs and failed to create a detailed completion schedule.

Costs for telecommunications upgrades have risen by $4.75 billion, reaching a total of $5.91 billion. The Government Accountability Office warned that the agency is prioritizing delivery speed over cost certainty, which increases the risk of further delays and budget overruns. The watchdog characterized current aviation systems as unsustainable and severely outdated, noting that these deficiencies contribute to a rise in aviation incidents.

While the agency maintains the project remains largely on plan, Administrator Bryan Bedford is scheduled to testify before Congress on Tuesday. He will address the modernization effort and the deployment of a software-based program designed to reduce flight delays.