FAA plans limited AI air-traffic rollout in Washington, DC, area

Traffic-flow advice for three major airports

According to the report, SMART could debut as soon as September 21 for the three major airports in the Washington, DC, area. The system is intended to use AI models and operational inputs—including schedules, weather, airport capacity, and airspace conditions—to provide forecasts and alternative-route information through existing FAA systems. The report says the limited launch is a first step toward a nationwide rollout across US national airspace.

The limited rollout is described as the first stage of a planned nationwide deployment of SMART.

The FAA is reportedly preparing a limited deployment of SMART, an AI-assisted system that predicts traffic flows and flags potential conflicts, for the three major airports in the Washington, DC, area before a proposed nationwide rollout.

The reported deployment would put AI-generated traffic-flow forecasts and recommendations into a limited operational setting for air-traffic management. The system is described as advisory and is not expected to change controller or airline procedures.