Asheville Regional Airport Unveils New Air Traffic Control Tower Amid Rising Demand
The FAA has opened a new 121-foot air traffic control tower at Asheville Regional Airport, replacing a 1961 facility. The $31.7 million project, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to support a 300% increase in air carrier operations over the past decade. The FAA also allocated $10 million for terminal expansion, adding seven new gates. The modernized tower will feature advanced equipment, including new radars and a Tower Simulation System for controller training.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has inaugurated a new 121-foot air traffic control tower at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), marking a significant upgrade from the airport’s 1961 facility. The project, funded by a $31.7 million grant from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), addresses the airport’s growing air traffic demands, which have surged by over 300% in the past decade. ## Modernizing Infrastructure for Increased Traffic The new tower is designed to provide air traffic controllers with a more modern workspace, better equipped to handle the rising number of flights in western North Carolina. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized the need for updated infrastructure, stating that controllers require 21st-century tools to manage increasing traffic efficiently. This need was particularly evident during Hurricane Helene in 2024, when controllers handled a surge in flights supporting recovery efforts. In addition to the tower, the FAA awarded $10 million through the IIJA to expand and modernize the airport’s terminal. The expansion will increase gate capacity from five to 12, further accommodating the growing passenger volume. ## Advanced Technology and Training Enhancements By the end of 2028, the new tower will receive several key technological upgrades, including: - **New radars** for improved tracking and communication. - **Modern voice switches** to enhance controller efficiency. - **Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI)** to bolster situational awareness on the ground. The FAA has also installed a new **Tower Simulation System (TSS)** at Asheville, enabling controllers to train in a realistic, controlled environment. The system projects airport-specific scenarios, allowing for more effective preparation and response training. The upgrades reflect the FAA’s commitment to ensuring safe and efficient air traffic operations as Asheville Regional Airport continues to expand its role in regional aviation.
