FAA Expands AI Tool for Nationwide Air Traffic Management

13 November 2026 2 min read هدهد تك | Hudhud Tech

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has expanded the use of its AI tool, known as SMART, to assist in managing air traffic across the entire national airspace system. This decision follows a successful initial rollout in the National Capital Region, where the system has been credited with rerouting 180 flights since its implementation on September 21, 2026.

The FAA claims that the SMART system has saved an average of 10 minutes and nearly 80 gallons of fuel per flight. The agency aims to replicate these results nationwide with the expanded deployment. According to a statement from the FAA, “After a successful initial rollout to the National Capital Region in September, the FAA will now use SMART in the airspace of all 22 centers across the country to reduce delays, reduce fuel consumption and improve the travel experience for the flying public.”

SMART is described as a cloud-based system that integrates data on weather patterns, flight paths, traffic flow, and controller staffing metrics to predict air traffic patterns. It is designed to make scheduling recommendations, identify optimal flight routes, and determine the best order of arrivals for aircraft. However, FAA specialists in Washington, D.C., are responsible for validating the recommendations before they are passed to air traffic control facilities.

The FAA has emphasized that the SMART system is not intended to replace air traffic controllers or take control of aircraft. Local controllers retain the authority to accept or reject the recommendations made by the system.

While airline executives have expressed support for the rollout, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), which represents over 15,000 members, has raised concerns. The union stated that it was not consulted during the design, testing, or implementation of the SMART system and therefore cannot comment on its impact on the workforce.

Following the initial deployment in Washington, D.C., the FAA has expanded SMART’s coverage to include air route traffic control centers in Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Miami. The agency provided an example of SMART recommending a shorter route for a cargo flight arriving at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, although it did not disclose the specific flight details or how it may have affected passenger traffic.

The FAA’s ongoing efforts with the SMART system come amid broader discussions about air traffic control challenges, including a shortage of controllers and the need for improved management of air traffic congestion.