# Cato Expert on Reforming Air Traffic Control 

Recent mishaps and disasters at American airports are raising concerns about the safety of our ATC system.

May 20, 2025 • News Releases 

I wanted to pass along [a new piece](https://www.cato.org/blog/air-traffic-control-its-management-not-money) from Cato Institute expert [Chris Edwards](https://www.cato.org/people/chris-edwards) on the US Air Traffic Control (ATC) system.

Recent mishaps and disasters at American airports are raising concerns about the safety of our ATC system. A tragic crash in Washington, DC, equipment outages in Newark, some near collisions, and frequent flight delays across the country have highlighted the backward state of our government-run ATC.

The FAA’s performance may get even worse over time as global aviation demand continues rising and the skies get ever more crowded.

Congress must restructure ATC, Edwards says. The obvious reform model is [**Canada**](https://www.navcanada.ca/en/corporate/about-us.aspx), whose ATC system has excelled for three decades as a self-funded, non-profit corporation outside the government bureaucracy.

If you would like to speak with Edwards, please contact [pr@​cato.​org](mailto:pr@cato.org) to set up an interview.

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