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DRIVING THE NEWS: Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans Highlight Modernization Upgrades at Norfolk International Airport

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NORFOLK, VA – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans (VA-02) today visited Norfolk International Airport (ORF) to tour the air traffic control tower and highlight a massive $27.3 million investment to modernize the airport’s air traffic control system.

"Virginia's 2nd Congressional District has a true champion in Congress in Representative Kiggins,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Her vote for the Working Families Tax Cut Act delivered the $12.5 billion down payment the Department needed to revitalize air traffic control, including $27.3 million for Norfolk International Airport. Together, we are delivering a safer and more efficient travel experience for Virginians and providing an economic boost to the Norfolk region."

Thanks to President Trump and Republicans in Congress like Representative Kiggans, the Working Families Tax Cut Act delivered a $12.5 billion investment into America’s air traffic control system. This brand-new air traffic control system will enhance safety, reduce delays and make the travel experience more seamless for families nationwide.

Secretary Duffy and Representative Kiggans met with air traffic control officials after touring the ORF tower
Secretary Duffy and Representative Kiggans met with air traffic control officials after touring the ORF tower

“As a former naval aviator, I know that ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation’s airspace starts with supporting the air traffic controllers who keep Americans moving every day. I’m grateful to Secretary Duffy for visiting Norfolk International Airport to hear directly from our air traffic controllers and airport leadership while seeing firsthand the critical work they do to keep our region moving safely and efficiently,” said U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans (VA-02). “As Hampton Roads continues to grow, I’ll keep working with the Administration to modernize our aviation infrastructure, support our workforce, and ensure Coastal Virginia has the resources it needs for the future.”

By the end of 2028, $27.3 million will be invested at ORF to:

  • Install new radios*
  • Replace the old copper wire with new high-speed fiber.*
  • Replace flimsy paper flight strips with electronic flight strips
  • Install a new radar
  • Replace displays for Controllers
  • Install new IP Voice Switches

*Already complete

Additional Information:

Under Secretary Duffy’s leadership, the FAA is moving at the Speed of Trump to make upgrades to our air traffic control system nationwide. In just one year we have:

  • Replaced 63% of all copper wires
  • Converted 388 radio sites nationwide
  • Installed 96 new Surface Awareness Initiative systems
  • Transitioned 21 towers to electronic flight strips
  • Installed 176 IP voice switches at control towers

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Last updated: Thursday, August 27, 2026