Deteriorating U.S. Aviation Infrastructure: Challenges and Outlook

The U.S. aviation infrastructure, from air traffic control to airports and training programs, is facing increasing pressure. Recent incidents have highlighted the strain of aging technology and capacity shortages. This post will delve into the challenges facing commercial and general aviation infrastructure and explore the ongoing efforts to modernize these vital systems.

Air Traffic Control Systems: Outdated Technology and Facilities

The U.S. air traffic control (ATC) system, the backbone of American aviation, is struggling with outdated technology and facilities.

Aging Equipment

Much of the ATC hardware and software predates the Internet era.
In 2023, a failure of the FAA’s NOTAM safety alert system caused a nationwide ground stop, revealing the fragility of current systems.
Many ATC radar, communication, and automation systems are simply old; the FAA’s capital budget for technology has been largely consumed by maintaining decades-old systems, with 92% of funds going toward legacy equipment rather than upgrades.
The FAA’s en-route control centers (ARTCCs) have an average age of over 60 years.
Terminal radar approach control facilities (TRACONs) average 36 years.
The FAA reports a $5.3 billion backlog of ATC facility components past their service life.

Modernization Efforts

The FAA’s NextGen program, announced in 2007, has brought some improvements, but many promised efficiencies have yet to fully materialize due to funding and implementation challenges.

In May 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced plans for a “brand new air traffic control system,” a crash program to overhaul ATC technology within three years, backed by tens of billions of dollars. This plan aims to replace antiquated radio and telecom networks with fiber-optic, wireless, and satellite-based systems at over 4,600 sites.

Cockpit of a small aircraft while grounded.

Air Traffic Controller Workforce Shortages

A critical shortage of air traffic controllers exacerbates the technology issues, impacting efficiency and safety.

Staffing Crisis

The FAA is thousands of controllers short of the staffing levels needed for current and future traffic.

As of late 2023, less than 10% of U.S. airport control towers had enough controllers to meet recommended staffing targets.
Accounting for fully certified controllers, the system was at approximately 72% of needed staffing (about 3,000–4,000 controllers below target).
Even including trainees, the workforce was only 87% of the goal.
A Department of Transportation review found that at 20 of the nation’s 26 most critical facilities, staffing was below 85% of minimum requisite levels.

Impact on Operations

This has led to mandatory overtime and six-day workweeks for many controllers, increasing fatigue risks.
From May through October 2024, the FAA recorded 1,115 runway incursions and over 180 ATC operational errors.
In 2023 and 2024, the FAA capped flight volumes at New York area airports due to insufficient controllers.
At Newark (EWR), United Airlines reported persistent delays largely due to ATC staffing at only 41% of target levels.

Addressing the Shortage

The FAA has boosted recruiting, hiring over 1,800 new controllers in 2024—the largest annual intake in a decade.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 directs the agency to improve its controller workforce plan and provides funding for accelerated hiring and training programs.
The FAA’s Operations budget (which covers controller salaries) is authorized to increase steadily, reaching $13.95 billion by 2028.
The FAA estimates 14,600 controllers are needed, compared to about 11,000 fully certified today.

Airport Infrastructure: Aging Terminals, Runways, and Congested Hubs

U.S. airports face their own infrastructure challenges, with many facilities struggling to keep pace with growing passenger traffic.

Current State

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gives U.S. aviation infrastructure a “D+” grade in its 2025 Infrastructure Report Card.

The FAA projects U.S. air passenger traffic to grow about 2.5% annually through 2044, climbing from 811 million enplanements in 2023 to 1.3 billion by 2044.
A recent FAA capacity study found 11 major airports will be “runway capacity–constrained” by 2028, rising to 14 airports by 2033.
In 2023, approximately one in five U.S. flights arrived late, partly due to infrastructure and ATC constraints.

Modernization Projects

Major airports like LaGuardia, JFK, and LAX are undergoing multibillion-dollar transformations.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) completed an $8 billion reconstruction.
New York’s JFK Airport is in the midst of a $19 billion transformation.
Los Angeles International (LAX) is undergoing a $15 billion overhaul.

Funding Challenges

The FAA estimates $67.5 billion in airport capital projects are needed over the next five years (2025–2029).
ASCE estimates the true investment need is closer to $310 billion through 2033.
The FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) has been fixed at about $3.35 billion per year since 2012.

Recent Investments

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) injected an additional $25 billion for aviation infrastructure over five years.

This includes $15 billion in formula-based Airport Infrastructure Grants.
A new $5 billion Airport Terminal Program was created.
Another $5 billion was earmarked to upgrade FAA air traffic facilities.
As of late 2024, nearly $12 billion of IIJA airport grants had been announced.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 increases regular AIP funding to $4 billion per year.

General Aviation Facilities and Support Services

General aviation (GA), encompassing thousands of smaller airports and diverse flight operations, is a foundational but often overlooked part of U.S. aviation infrastructure.

GA Airport Network: There are over 3,000 public-use GA airports nationwide.
Infrastructure Needs: GA airports require upgrades to runways, hangars, fuel facilities, and instrument approach equipment.
The 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act included a dedicated General Aviation title to address GA-specific concerns, boosting funding for improvements.
Unleaded Fuel Transition: The planned transition to unleaded aviation gasoline by 2030 will require significant infrastructure changes at GA airports.
Workforce Shortages: The aviation maintenance workforce shortage also affects GA operators.
The FAA Reauthorization Act expanded workforce development programs, including aviation manufacturing and maintenance apprenticeships.
New Technologies: GA airports are adapting to new aviation entrants like drones and anticipated advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles, which may require infrastructure upgrades such as vertiports or drone operation zones.

Pilot Training and Workforce Pipeline

The human capital pipeline—pilots, mechanics, air traffic controllers, and other skilled personnel—is arguably the most critical element for future aviation growth.

Pilot Shortage

The U.S. is grappling with a well-publicized commercial pilot shortage.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 14,500 new pilots are needed each year through 2030.
One congressional estimate suggests the U.S. could be 17,000 pilots short by 2030.
Over 80,000 U.S. airline pilots are forecast to reach mandatory retirement age in the next 20 years, roughly half of today’s workforce.
Boeing’s 2024 industry outlook projects that North America alone will require approximately 130,000 new commercial pilots in the next 20 years. Globally, 674,000 new pilots will be needed by 2043.
Similarly, Boeing projects 716,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed globally by 2043.

Impact on Growth

Regional airlines have been significantly affected, leading to reduced service in many small U.S. cities.
Mainline carriers face training backlogs due to aggressive hiring.

Strategies to Expand the Pipeline

Legislative Efforts:

The “Pre-Pilot Pathway Act” aims to establish a pilot apprenticeship program at FAA-authorized flight schools.
The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 doubled funding to $20 million each per year for existing Aviation Workforce Development Grant programs for pilots and maintenance technicians.

Private Sector Involvement:

Major U.S. airlines have established their own flight academies or partnerships (e.g., United Airlines’ “Aviate” academy, aiming to train 5,000 new pilots by 2030).
Airlines have significantly increased starting salaries at regional carriers to attract and retain new pilots.

Training Infrastructure:

As of 2024, there are about 600 FAA-approved Part 141 flight training schools in the country.
New flight simulators (costing millions each) are being purchased.
Aircraft manufacturers are ramping up production of training airplanes.

Maintenance Technician Shortage:

The aircraft mechanic workforce is also aging, with an average age nearing 50. The 2024 FAA law supports aviation maintenance school programs and high school aviation STEM programs.

Air Traffic Controller Pipeline:

The FAA Academy in Oklahoma City can train around 1,500 new controllers a year.

The “crumbling” U.S. aviation infrastructure encompasses both physical and human elements: outdated air traffic control equipment, aging airports, understaffed control towers, and shortages of pilots and mechanics. However, these challenges are being addressed through:

Massive Federal Spending: The FAA and DOT are investing tens of billions to upgrade runways, terminals, and ATC technology.
Legislative Reforms: The five-year FAA law boosts funding and includes a dedicated GA title.
Public-Private Partnerships: Airlines are financing new training academies, and private investors are rebuilding terminals.

The next 10–15 years will be crucial. While demand for air travel is projected to climb steadily, strategic investments can prevent service degradation and unlock significant growth. A modernized ATC system with adequate controllers will reduce delays and incidents, enabling more flights. Upgraded airports will accommodate higher passenger volumes. A robust pipeline of pilots and technicians will ensure the aviation sector can meet future demand. These improvements will also contribute to the U.S. economy, with aviation already contributing nearly 5% to U.S. GDP. The partnership between government and industry will be essential to maintaining America’s legacy of aviation leadership and ensuring safe and efficient skies for decades to come.