What Happened
Authority Split Over New System At Washington Airports
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched its SMART AI air traffic tool at Washington’s DCA, IAD, and BWI airports, aiming to reduce delays and ease controller workload. However, the rollout has been met with controversy, as Rep. Don Beyer is calling for an immediate suspension, citing concerns over the lack of air traffic controller input and training. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has countered that SMART is a recommendation tool only, designed to support controllers, not replace them. The FAA’s decision on whether to pause, proceed, or modify the rollout remains unclear, as reported by an unknown source.