The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) deployed its AI-supported air traffic management tool, SMART (Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories), operational since September 2026. As of November 9, 2026, SMART helps optimize flight routing and reduce congestion nationwide, combining 200 data streams including weather, flight paths, traffic flow, and controller staffing.
SMART System Performance and Impact
Nearly six weeks after launch, SMART has rerouted about 180 flights carrying approximately 24,000 passengers to avoid congestion. It cuts flight times by more than 10 minutes on average and saves nearly 80 gallons of fuel per flight. These reductions contribute to fewer delays and enhanced air traffic management.
Data Integration and Operational Process
SMART predicts congestion and severe weather disruptions before they occur and provides routing recommendations. These are validated by human air traffic controllers who maintain final authority. The system improves on prior FAA methods that block large airspace areas by identifying precise, safe corridors through weather and traffic challenges.
Example Flight and Geographic Rollout
In October 2026, a flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to Orlando International Airport carrying 147 passengers used SMART to avoid congestion, shortening the flight by 11 nautical miles and saving six minutes. The FAA initially limited SMART to the National Capital Region in September, validated it in Miami, Jacksonville, and
Atlanta in October, and expanded to Dallas Fort Worth by November 9, 2026. There are plans to expand SMART to all 22 US air traffic control centers nationwide.
Official Statements and Traveler Benefits
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, “Under President Trump, we are making historic progress to revitalize air traffic control and improve the passenger experience for millions of Americans.” He added that SMART will “slash frustrating delays, reduce stress on air traffic controllers, and lower travel prices.” The system improves predictability of flight schedules and reduces controller workload.
The nation’s 30 busiest airports handle approximately 6.5 million flights annually, with about 300,000 flights rerouted
before departure and 3.6 million experiencing airborne reroutes, vectoring, or holding annually. SMART contributes by enabling shorter flights, less delay, and significant fuel savings, benefiting millions of travelers.
