Minnesota’s air traffic control system is set for a major upgrade, with federal transportation officials promising to modernize one of the oldest operating towers in the country. The Duluth International Airport control tower, built in 1952, is the third-oldest in service nationwide and has long been in need of replacement.
The tower still relies on equipment and systems dating back decades. Federal officials visiting the site noted outdated communications gear, radar systems, and copper wiring that have not been updated to match modern aviation standards. The condition of the facility has raised concerns about safety, reliability, and efficiency, especially in an era when air traffic continues to increase in both volume and complexity.
A recently proposed federal infrastructure package includes $12.5 million earmarked for the Duluth tower project.
These funds would cover the first stage of modernization, including new radar systems, updated radios, advanced voice switches, and telecommunications upgrades. Copper wiring will be replaced with fiber-optic lines, which can handle far greater data loads with increased speed and security. The total cost of replacing the tower and fully upgrading its systems is estimated at $72 million. This means additional funding—about $38 million—will still need to be secured through state, local, and potentially additional federal contributions. Lawmakers have pledged to work together across party lines to ensure the full budget is met.
The Duluth project is just one piece of a sweeping effort to modernize the United States’ aging air traffic control infrastructure. The broader plan calls for replacing obsolete telecommunications systems at more than 4,600 sites, installing 618 new radar systems, expanding surface awareness technology to 200 airports, and constructing six new air traffic control centers. Federal transportation officials have stated that these upgrades are critical for safety, economic growth, and national security. Modern systems will reduce outages, improve communication between pilots and controllers, Aging air traffic control systems have been linked to numerous disruptions nationwide in recent years. Outages, equipment failures, and the inability to source replacement parts for decades-old machines have become common. In some cases, officials have had to search for spare parts on secondary markets—an unsustainable and risky practice. Recent aviation incidents have heightened the urgency for these upgrades, with authorities pointing to the need for proactive investment to prevent accidents and ensure air traffic control services remain safe and reliable for both civilian and military flights.
Transportation officials have urged Congress to provide substantial funding up front, warning that piecemeal appropriations over several years could slow progress and leave critical systems vulnerable in the meantime. They argue that comprehensive, immediate investment will not only speed up the work but also reduce long-term costs associated with maintaining obsolete equipment. The nationwide modernization program is expected to take three to four years once fully funded, but without consistent financial support, timelines could extend significantly.
For Duluth, the benefits of replacing the nearly 73-year-old tower go beyond safety. The upgraded facility will serve as a hub for managing airspace across more than 7,000 square miles, supporting both passenger and cargo flights. The modernization is also expected to improve coordination with military operations in the region, which rely on the same air traffic infrastructure. Officials at the Duluth International Airport say the improvements will help the city remain competitive in attracting airlines, routes, and economic activity tied to aviation. For residents, it means safer skies, more reliable flight schedules, and the assurance that the local airport meets the highest national standards.
While the initial funding marks a significant step forward, much work remains. Securing the remaining budget, finalizing design plans, and beginning construction will require coordination among federal, state, and local authorities. Federal leaders have made it clear that they see the Duluth project as both a local and national priority. As one of the most outdated control towers still in service, its modernization will be a high-visibility test case for the broader air traffic control overhaul. If the effort succeeds in Duluth, it could serve as a model for similar projects across the country.
