Exclusive: Secretary Duffy tours Phoenix Sky Harbor, airport to get new tech as part of modernization push

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy toured Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to review advancements in air traffic control modernization, supported by $12.5 billion from the One Big Beautiful Bill.

The visit focused on evaluating upgrades to replace outdated 1980s-era radios and address communication challenges seen in incidents like the 2025 Newark Liberty issues. Phoenix is implementing electronic flight strips - a system set to expand nationwide over the next three years - along with radar replacements, surface movement radar for collision prevention, and a new terminal voice switch.

Duffy praised the airport’s growth and current technology, noting, “Phoenix is a wildly expanding market... You have some of the better technology.” Additional congressional funding will be needed for future software enhancements. The effort aims to boost safety, cut delays, and improve efficiency for passengers.

From ABC 15 Arizona: 

Secretary Sean Duffy: “Phoenix is, as you know, a wildly expanding market. A lot of growth here, and so the airport is growing to meet the needs of the community,” Secretary Duffy said. "But also, something unique is happening in Phoenix at Sky Harbor. You have some of the better technology in all of our airports across the country. So I wanted to see what technology you currently have, but then also what upgrades you're going to need.”

Click here to read the full article from ABC 15 Arizona.