The whole infrastructure of air travel was, and is, part of government policy. It is not a natural development of a free economic system - at least not in the way that is claimed. The same is true of the roads, of course.

In this quote, Noam Chomsky argues that the development of the air travel infrastructure is not simply the result of natural economic forces in a free market system, but rather the product of government policy. Chomsky challenges the narrative that industries like aviation and transportation evolve purely through private enterprise and market forces. Instead, he points out that the government has played a significant role in shaping these industries, providing the necessary infrastructure, regulations, and funding that allow them to thrive.

Chomsky's point is that the air travel industry, just like roads, is deeply intertwined with state intervention and planning. While proponents of free-market capitalism often argue that industries develop best when left to their own devices, Chomsky emphasizes that the reality is much more complicated. In both air travel and road systems, the government has historically provided the necessary groundwork for these industries, from building airports to funding highways, and has made critical decisions about their development.

By highlighting this, Chomsky critiques the notion that industries like air travel and road systems should be seen as purely the result of private initiative. He suggests that such industries could not have reached their current scale or efficiency without significant government involvement, challenging the idea that private enterprise alone can drive economic progress. Chomsky is essentially questioning the fairness and accuracy of the claims made by free-market advocates who downplay the government's role in these key sectors.

Ultimately, Chomsky’s quote reveals his broader critique of the capitalist system, in which government involvement is often overlooked or downplayed in favor of a narrative that emphasizes individualism and private enterprise. He argues that understanding the role of government in these foundational industries is crucial for understanding the dynamics of modern economies and their development.