Upgrading air traffic control equipment at a tower in Minnesota: Duffy emphasizes the need for modernization, stating 'quality service should be our standard'
The U.S. Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, has pledged a full upgrade of Minnesota's aging air traffic control tower at Duluth International Airport under the "One Big Beautiful Bill" Act. The ambitious plan aims to replace the outdated equipment with modern systems by approximately 2028-2029, pending federal and additional state funding.
Born and raised in Hayward, Wisconsin, Secretary Duffy recently toured the Minnesota air traffic control tower at Duluth International Airport. The tower, built in the 1950s, is among the oldest operational air traffic control towers in the nation, according to the Duluth International Airport website.
During the tour, Duffy shared photos of antiquated equipment inside the tower, highlighting the need for a comprehensive, multi-billion-dollar investment to modernise the U.S. air traffic system. The impetus for the upgrades increased markedly after a tragic midair collision near Washington, D.C., in January 2025, which spotlighted systemic safety vulnerabilities and sparked calls for urgent modernisation.
The promised upgrade under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will equip Duluth International Airport with new radar systems, upgraded satellite communications, new telecommunication systems, and modern surface safety technology. The funding for these upgrades comes from the $12.5 billion allocated in the Act for overhauling the country's aging air traffic control systems.
Last month, the Duluth Airport Authority announced that the state of Minnesota had approved a $10 million funding allocation to help replace the air traffic control tower at Duluth International Airport. However, this is far short of the full $72 million required for the tower alone.
Secretary Duffy estimated that rolling out a new air traffic control system should take three to four years to complete. He emphasised that safety would not be compromised during the transition process. Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minn., acknowledged Duffy's visit and the need for a new air traffic control tower at the Duluth airport.
Duluth International Airport did not immediately respond to FOX Business' request for comment on the matter. It is important to note that a Delta flight was diverted to Minneapolis due to severe turbulence recently, leaving 25 people on board hospitalized. However, this event is not directly related to the air traffic control tower tour.
This project reflects a critical step in a larger national initiative to modernise control towers and airspace safety systems nationwide. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a piece of legislation, but its specific details or the name of the president who signed it are not provided in the article.
- In order to modernize the outdated air traffic system, Secretary Duffy emphasized the need for a comprehensive, multi-billion-dollar investment, including credit from federal and state sources.
- The funding for the Duluth International Airport's tower upgrade comes from the $12.5 billion allocated in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with additional state funding, such as the $10 million recently approved by Minnesota.
- With the promised upgrades, the aerospace industry will invest in new radar systems, upgraded satellite communications, and modern surface safety technology, improving finance and transportation across the nation.
