A recent report highlights concerns about the outdated radar approach equipment at Orlando International Airport. The Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) system, which has not been upgraded since its construction in 1983, is under scrutiny for using technology comparable to 1980s gaming systems. Congressman Darren Soto from Central Florida emphasized the urgency of updating this antiquated system, stating: “It looks like Atari technology in there.”
Orlando’s TRACON oversees all of Central Florida’s airspace, including multiple airports beyond Orlando International. Despite handling significant passenger traffic and having a new terminal, the TRACON remains outdated. In 2024 alone, Orlando International accommodated over 57 million passengers.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that plans for a new Central Florida TRACON are underway, with designs expected later this year. However, funding competition among airports nationwide could delay progress. Soto stressed the importance of modernizing the equipment to maintain safety standards: “So we need to continue moving forward and we’ve seen lately with the crash at Reagan National Airport, how important it is to have the most modern equipment.”
Doug Lowe from the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union pointed out that without a new TRACON, managing increased air traffic could become challenging: “We’re not simultaneously upgrading the ability to bring in the aircraft.” This concern is heightened as Orlando introduces new international routes in 2025.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated $5 billion for air traffic control upgrades across the US. The FAA has identified Orlando’s TRACON as one of 52 facilities needing replacement.
