Overview
- Weeks of delays during the just‑ended shutdown exposed the system’s fragility, and the FAA says normal traffic could take weeks to resume.
- Proponents, including economist Diana Furchtgott‑Roth, argue a nonprofit, user‑funded provider would insulate controller pay and speed investment.
- Opponents such as unions, some lawmakers, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reject privatization, citing safety oversight, scale, and access for rural and general aviation.
- A Trump‑era plan to remove air traffic control from the FAA advanced but failed in Congress.
- Commentary highlights FAA modernization delays like NextGen and contends a corporatized model could raise capital faster, while critics warn of greater sway for airlines and private interests.