The Federal Aviation Administration’s Strategic Management of Airspace, Routes and Trajectories (SMART) AI system helped reduce flight delays at Dallas Fort Worth Airport on November 9, 2026, by optimizing air traffic routes to avoid congestion.
In its first six weeks of operation, SMART has rerouted nearly 180 flights carrying about 24,000 passengers, cutting average flight times by over 10 minutes per rerouted flight. The system also saved nearly 80 gallons of fuel per flight on average, demonstrating early effectiveness in easing airspace congestion.
SMART System Deployment and Data Integration
Deployed initially in the National Capital Region in September 2026, the FAA expanded testing of SMART to
the Miami, Jacksonville and Atlanta air route traffic control centers in October 2026. On November 9, 2026, the tool began operating at Dallas Fort Worth Airport to further reduce delays.
SMART integrates 200 data streams, including real-time weather conditions, flight paths, traffic flow, and controller staffing metrics. This AI-powered platform provides route recommendations to air traffic controllers to optimize scheduling and manage congestion before it develops.
Example Flight Reroute Saves Time and Distance
In October 2026, SMART recommended an alternative route for a flight carrying 147 passengers from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to Orlando International Airport. The reroute saved 11 nautical miles and cut flight time
by six minutes, helping the flight avoid congestion along its original path.
FAA Officials Highlight Benefits of SMART
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated, “Under President Trump, we are making historic progress to revitalize air traffic control and improve the passenger experience for millions of Americans.” He also added, “SMART will slash frustrating delays, reduce stress on air traffic controllers, and lower travel prices.” The FAA aims to expand SMART nationwide, boosting its benefits as testing validates the technology.
SMART’s Role and Future Expansion
SMART supports rather than replaces human air traffic controllers. Aviation specialists analyze and validate AI-generated route recommendations before sending them from the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command
Center to local facilities for final approval.
The FAA plans to extend SMART’s deployment to all 22 air route traffic control centers across the United States, intending to improve airspace efficiency and reduce delays broadly.
US Air Traffic Volume and Delay Challenges
Each year, about 6.5 million flights operate at the US’s 30 busiest airports. Around 300,000 flights are rerouted before departure, and 3.6 million undergo airborne reroutes, vectoring, or holding due to congestion and weather disruptions. Traditional methods block large rectangular airspace sections during storms, whereas SMART utilizes AI to dynamically adjust routes based on irregular weather patterns.
Traveler Impact of SMART
Passengers at Dallas Fort Worth and other FAA
regions benefited from fewer and shorter flight delays due to SMART’s tailored route recommendations. The system’s fuel savings and time reductions improve flight efficiency and aim to reduce passenger wait times and related stress factors.
