FAA Expands AI Tool to Enhance Air Traffic Management Nationwide

14 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 air traffic controllers 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 reportedly rerouted 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 on a national scale with the expanded deployment, which now includes all 22 air traffic control centers across the country.

According to a statement from the FAA, the SMART system is a cloud-based tool that integrates various data, including weather patterns, flight paths, traffic flow, and controller staffing metrics, to predict air traffic patterns. It provides scheduling recommendations, identifies optimal flight routes, and determines the best order for aircraft arrivals.

Despite the positive feedback from airline executives, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), which represents over 15,000 air traffic controllers, expressed concerns about not being consulted during the design, testing, or implementation phases of the SMART system. The union stated that it cannot comment on the system’s impact on the workforce.

The FAA clarified that while the SMART system offers recommendations, it does not replace the critical role of air traffic controllers, who retain the authority to accept or reject these suggestions. The agency has provided examples of how SMART has improved flight routing, including a cargo flight arriving at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

As the FAA continues to implement the SMART system, it faces ongoing challenges, including a shortage of air traffic controllers. The agency is working to address these issues while enhancing air traffic management across the nation.