The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has deployed a new AI-supported air traffic management tool called SMART, which has rerouted nearly 180 flights affecting about 24,000 passengers to reduce congestion and delays as of November 9, 2026. This system integrates 200 streams of data, including weather, flight paths, traffic flow, and controller staffing metrics to anticipate air traffic issues and recommend efficient alternative routes.
Flight Time Reductions and Fuel Savings
Since its initial rollout in September 2026, the SMART system has cut average flight times by more than 10 minutes per flight and saved approximately 80 gallons of fuel on each rerouted flight. The AI tool has
been operational for nearly six weeks and has helped optimize routing decisions to reduce airborne congestion and improve fuel efficiency during flights.
Example Flight Reroute from Washington to Orlando
In October 2026, SMART assisted a flight carrying 147 passengers from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to Orlando International Airport. The system identified expected congestion along the planned route and recommended an alternative path farther west. The FAA and air traffic controllers approved this recommendation, shortening the route by 11 nautical miles and cutting the flight time by six minutes.
Despite its AI support, SMART does not direct aircraft independently. Human aviation specialists analyze and validate the system’s
recommendations before they are sent to the FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center and then to local air traffic control facilities for final decisions.
Managing Airspace and Severe Weather Disruptions
SMART was designed to enhance the FAA’s management of congested airspace and severe weather impacts on flights. Traditional practices block large rectangular airspace sections for storms, even when irregular weather patterns might allow safe corridors. SMART’s AI analyzes changing weather conditions to identify safer routes around storms, helping reopen airspace more effectively.
Official Statements and Expansion Plans
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.” Duffy added, “SMART will slash frustrating delays, reduce stress on air traffic controllers, and lower travel prices.” The FAA first deployed SMART in the National Capital Region before starting validation at Miami, Jacksonville, and Atlanta air route traffic control centers in October 2026.
The FAA plans to expand SMART to all 22 air traffic control centers nationwide. With about 6.5 million flights operating annually at the 30 busiest U.S. airports, of which 300,000 are rerouted before departure and 3.6 million experience airborne reroutes, vectoring, or holding, SMART aims to improve air traffic management across the country.
