Secretary Duffy conducts an inspection at Duluth International Airport, addresses matters concerning air traffic management.
The air traffic control tower at Duluth International Airport, built in the 1950s, is the third-oldest operational tower in the United States and is currently running on outdated equipment. According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the tower is equipped with technology from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
Upgrade Plans and Funding
The tower requires a comprehensive modernization, including new radar systems, upgraded satellite communications, new telecom equipment, and modern surface safety technology. Congress allocated $12.5 billion nationwide as a "down payment" through the "One Big Beautiful Bill" for air traffic control system upgrades, including Duluth.
Duluth airport officials estimate that upgrading their tower alone will cost around $72 million. The Minnesota state legislature has provided $10 million toward this effort, raising total funding to about $34 million. However, additional state and local funds are still needed to fully fund the project.
The upgrades are expected to take 3 to 4 years and will be carefully phased to ensure continued safety throughout.
Air Traffic and Staffing Context
The FAA has reported a 10% increase in air traffic at Duluth International over the past year, increasing the urgency for the upgrade. Duluth also serves significant military aviation, hosting an F-16 fighter wing, emphasizing the necessity of a reliable control tower.
While no specific details on an air traffic controller shortage are stated, the antiquated system and increased traffic likely compound operational strain.
In Summary
Duluth International Airport’s control tower is critically outdated, with federal and state efforts underway but still insufficiently funded to fully modernize the facility in response to increasing air traffic and operational demands. The airport spokesperson states that the project totals $72 million, and there is a national shortage of about 3,000 air traffic controllers.
- The allocated funding from Congress includes $12.5 billion nationwide for air traffic control system upgrades, such as new radar systems, satellite communications, telecom equipment, and modern surface safety technology, with Duluth International Airport being one of the recipients.
- The modernization of Duluth International Airport's tower requires approximately $72 million, and although the Minnesota state legislature has provided $10 million for the project, additional funds are still needed to fully complete it, amidst increasing air traffic and the anticipated need for more air traffic controllers due to a nationwide shortage of around 3,000.
